Natural course of chronic HBV infection -- Management of chronic HBV infection in children -- Epidemiology of HBV infection -- Genetic diversity of the hepatitis B virus and its epidemiological significance -- Laboratory diagnosis of HBV -- Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HBV -- Current management of chronic HBV infection -- Current management of hepatitis B co-infected with hepatitis D -- Future drugs in the treatment of chronic HBV infection.

This book presents up-to-date, practically oriented information on major topics in chronic hepatitis B. The coverage encompasses epidemiology; diagnosis, including molecular methods; treatment and challenges; and the management of co-infections. Readers will also find guidance on the invasive and non-invasive assessment of fibrosis in HBV infection and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HBV. Management of chronic hepatitis B in children is considered separately, and emerging drugs that hold promise for the treatment of chronic HBV infection are discussed. Chronic Hepatitis B will be of high value for general practitioners and specialists in gastroenterology, infectious diseases, and internal medicine. It will be international in scope in terms of both authorship and appeal.