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Purpose of Review <p>This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, virology, diagnosis, prevention, and management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in children. It highlights global efforts toward HBV elimination, with a focus on the unique clinical challenges andtherapeutic strategies relevant to pediatric populations.</p> Recent Findings <p>Global HBV vaccination initiatives have significantly reduced pediatric HBV prevalence;however, the disease remains endemic in many low-resource settings, largely due to gaps in timely birth-dose coverage and healthcare infrastructure. Recent guidelines emphasize risk-based screening, early antiviral intervention, and the use of non-invasive tools to assess liver fibrosis in children. Promising therapeutic advances include the use of pegylated interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues, with emerging interest inimmunotherapeutic approaches and functional cure strategies. Novel cellular targets,such as CCR5⁺CD8⁺ T cells, and mRNA-based vaccines are under investigation.</p> Summary <p>Hepatitis B continues to pose a serious health burden for children globally, particularly in regions with limited access to immunization and treatment. Effective elimination will require a multifaceted approach, including improving vaccination coverage, optimizing screening practices, and expanding access to pediatric-appropriate antiviral therapies. Continued research into age-specific immune responses and innovative therapeutic targets may accelerate progress toward functional cure and long-term disease control in the pediatric population.</p>

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Hepatitis B in Children: A Review of Current Knowledge and Future Directions

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月28日

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  • Paola Carolina Espin Diaz,
  • Swati Antala

摘要

Purpose of Review

This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, virology, diagnosis, prevention, and management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in children. It highlights global efforts toward HBV elimination, with a focus on the unique clinical challenges andtherapeutic strategies relevant to pediatric populations.

Recent Findings

Global HBV vaccination initiatives have significantly reduced pediatric HBV prevalence;however, the disease remains endemic in many low-resource settings, largely due to gaps in timely birth-dose coverage and healthcare infrastructure. Recent guidelines emphasize risk-based screening, early antiviral intervention, and the use of non-invasive tools to assess liver fibrosis in children. Promising therapeutic advances include the use of pegylated interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues, with emerging interest inimmunotherapeutic approaches and functional cure strategies. Novel cellular targets,such as CCR5⁺CD8⁺ T cells, and mRNA-based vaccines are under investigation.

Summary

Hepatitis B continues to pose a serious health burden for children globally, particularly in regions with limited access to immunization and treatment. Effective elimination will require a multifaceted approach, including improving vaccination coverage, optimizing screening practices, and expanding access to pediatric-appropriate antiviral therapies. Continued research into age-specific immune responses and innovative therapeutic targets may accelerate progress toward functional cure and long-term disease control in the pediatric population.