HIV/HBV coinfection: understanding the complex interactions and their impact on spontaneous HBV clearance, chronic liver damage, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma

Compared to either HIV or hepatitis B virus (HBV) monoinfected individuals, HIV/HBV-coinfected individuals have a decreased probability of spontaneous HBV clearance and a greater risk of developing chronic liver damage and a faster progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This manuscript attempts to provide a comprehensive review of the landscape of current HIV/HBV coinfection research with a focus on the intricate interactions between these two viruses. Our review will help understand the disease dynamics of HIV/HBV coinfection and has important implications for designing public health strategies.