Hepatitis B infection is an international
healthcare problem, particularly in developing areas.
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is frequently transmitted
via body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal
secretions. The majority of adults infected with the
virus recover, however 5%-10% are not capable to
clear the virus and become chronically infected. The
principal treatment goals for patients with hepatitis
B infection are to prevent progression of the liver
disease to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The
effective nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) against hepatitis
B virus (HBV) has improved the outcome of
patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Special
populations infected with chronic HBV include
those with decompensated cirrhosis, organ transplantation,
pregnancy, extrahepatic manifestations,
immunosuppressive-chemotherapy, co-infections
(HIV-HCV- HDV), renal failure, hepatitis B virus
infection in children/adolescents and dental practice.
These populations vary in their natural history and
risk of liver-related complications, the indications
for anti-HBV treatment in addition to the recommendations
concerning the HBV drugs used, time
of therapy and expected endpoints. The aim of
this review is to summarize the information on the
relevance and treatment of HBV infection in such
special populations.