Abstract
HBV/HCV dual infection is not uncommon, especially in highly endemic areas and among individuals at elevated risk of infection, because of the common transmission mode of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be underestimated due to the presence of occult HBV infection. HBV/HCV dual infection is associated with more rapid progression to advanced severe liver disease, severely increased fibrosis or cirrhosis, liver decompensation, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, thus requiring effective antiviral treatment. However, the intracellular interaction between HBV and HCV has not been fully elucidated at present. This paper summarizes the recent research on HBV/HCV dual infection and the current status of treatment and emphasizes the aspects that need further clarification in order to provide a basis for exploring treatment strategies for dual infection.