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  • Microbiome matters: What your gut says about your liver

    … linked to more lactobacillales and fewer clostridiales, which suggests another kind of imbalance (Zhou et al., 2025). This connection could lead to new treatments that target both bile acids and bacteria.  Your gut microbiome does a lot more than help you digest food. It’s deeply connected to your liver and can influence how hepatitis B develops and changes over time. As scientists learn more, we may see new treatments that focus on fixing the microbiome to protect and promote liver health.    References:  Chen, Y., et al. (2025). Gut microbiota and metabolomic profiles in HBV-related cirrhosis. Journal of Hepatology Research.  Li, X., et al. (2024). Gut mycobiome and liver disease: Emerging insights. Liver International.  Wang, J., et al. (2023). Microbiota diversity across HBV disease stages. Microbiome Medicine.  Zhang, L., et al. (2024). Gut microbiota and chronic liver disease: Mechanisms and interventions. Hepatology Reviews.  Zhou, H., et al. (2025). Microbiota–bile acid crosstalk in HBV-induced cirrhosis. Clinical Gastroenterology.   

    https://www.hepb.org/blog/microbiome-matters-gut-says-liver/
  • Happy NAIRHHA Day!

    Today is NAIRHHA Day! Every September 9th, the Hepatitis B Foundation brings awareness to National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Awareness Day. Founded by advocates in Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and New York, NAIRHHA Day has been observed annually on September 9th by healthcare professionals, awareness campaigns, and other organizations since 2014. The Multicultural AIDS Coalition (MAC), Hepatitis B Foundation and the Coalition Against Hepatitis for People of African Origin (CHIPO) are working to establish NAIRHHA day as their own federally designated awareness day. Hepatitis B and HIV in African Immigrant Communities  People of African origin are disproportionately affected by hepatitis B infection. Worldwide an estimated 292 million people are infected with chronic hepatitis B. Over 60 million people in Africa have hepatitis B which annually accounts for an estimated 68,870 deaths.1 In fact, in some African communities in the United States, between 5%-15% of people have chronic HBV infection. Unfortunately, due to the silent nature of the disease, lack of disease awareness, and limited health care access, most African community members who have hepatitis B DO NOT KNOW that they are infected. This puts them at much greater risk for premature death from cirrhosis or liver cancer. There is a high burden of HIV/HBV co-infection in African countries because both diseases share similar transmission routes such as mother-to-child, unsafe medical and injection practices, and unscreened blood transfusions.2 Chronic HIV/HBV infection is reported in up to 36% of people who are HIV positive, with the highest prevalence reported in west Africa and southern Africa. The co-infection of HIV and HBV is especially dangerous because it accelerates liver disease such as fibrosis and cirrhosis. In fact, liver-related mortality is twice as high among people with an HIV/ HBV co-infection.2  With approximately 54,000 people with HBV who immigrate to the

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/happy-nairhha-day/
  • Bristol Myers Squibb awards grant to Hepatitis B Foundation

    The goal is reducing disparities in liver cancer for high-risk minority groups in the United States. Doylestown, Dec. 22, 2020 – Bristol Myers Squibb has awarded a one-year, $134,000 grant to the Hepatitis B Foundation to close the disparity gaps related to hepatitis B-associated liver cancer in the United States among Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, African immigrant communities and other high-risk groups. Hepatitis B is the primary cause of liver cancer worldwide and more than 2 million people in the U.S. are living with chronic hepatitis B infection. Liver cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Over the past decade, liver cancer incidence and mortality has steadily risen each year, even while rates of most other cancers have been in decline. For people with hepatitis B, the key to saving lives is preventing progression to liver cancer and diagnosing it in its earliest stages. This can be accomplished through ensuring that people with hepatitis B are diagnosed and appropriately managed, and receive ongoing liver cancer screening. “This is vitally important work because the communities we will be working with experience a significantly higher rate of liver cancer caused by hepatitis B, in some instances up to thirteen times higher than the general U.S. population,” Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH, senior vice president of the Hepatitis B Foundation, said. “We greatly appreciate this generous grant from Bristol Myers Squibb.” The grant will fund an initiative to develop and implement a culturally appropriate, community-focused awareness and education campaign to improve knowledge about the link between hepatitis B and liver cancer, dispel common myths and misconceptions, reduce disease-related stigma and normalize conversation around hepatitis B and liver cancer among highly impacted communities. The Hepatitis B Foundation will work with Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and African immigrant communities across the country to implement this project. These communities have the highest rates of both hepatitis B and liver cancer in the U.S. and the greatest liver-cancer related health disparities. Changing the perceptions of hepatitis B and liver cancer can lead to health behavior change, especially when integrated into programs that improve access to care and treatment. These efforts can lead to more high-risk people in target communities seeking out and receiving liver cancer screening, thereby diagnosing liver cancer at earlier stages, when it is still treatable. - 30 -

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/bristol-myers-squibb-award-grant-to-hepatitis-b-foundation/
  • HBV Genotype C Carries Greater Risk for HCC Than Other Genotypes

    Below is a publication from “Healio Hepatology, January 23, 2013 -HBV Genotype C Carries Greater Risk for HCC Than Other Genotypes", showing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among the different hepatitis B genotypes based on a meta-analysis of 43 studies. There are 8 identified HBV genotypes ranging from genotypes A through H. These different genotypes are concentrated in distinct geographic areas of the globe, and may influence the course of disease, as noted below with the greater risk of liver cancer for those with genotype C.  Patients with hepatitis B genotype C are more likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma than patients with other HBV genotypes, according to recent results. Researchers performed a meta-analysis of 43 studies (34 cross-sectional, four case-control, four prospective or retrospective cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial) published between 1999 and 2010 assessing the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) across the major genotypes of hepatitis B. Analysis included data on 14,545 patients with HBV, with 517 cases of genotype A, 4,417 of B, 7,750 of C, 1,506 of D, 57 with A and D in combination and 298 with other and/or mixed genotypes. There were 2,841 patients with HCC across all studies. In 33 studies comparing genotypes B (n=4,417) and C (n=6,060), HCC was significantly more common among participants with genotype C (25% of patients vs. 12%), with an OR of 2.05 (1.52-2.76). Patients with genotypes A (n=517) and D (n=1,506) were at similar risk for HCC across 12 studies (14% for A vs. 11% for D, OR=0.94, 0.67-1.32). Patients with genotype C (n=1,659) were at significantly higher risk than those with genotypes A or D (n=1,403) in 10 studies (30% vs. 7%, OR=2.34, 1.63-3.34). Analysis of HBV subgenotypes Ce (n=1,440) and Cs (n=715) in eight studies indicated a similar risk for HCC between subgenotypes (OR=1.13, 0.76-1.67) (95% CI for all). “Genotype C HBV is associated with a higher risk of HCC than genotypes A, B

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/hbv-genotype-c-carries-greater-risk-for-hcc-than-other-genotypes/
  • An Event-Filled Hepatitis Awareness Month for the Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B United Philadelphia

    Hepatitis Awareness Month has come to a close, and it has been one exciting, busy month for those of us at HBF and Hep B United Philadelphia. In the course of 6 weeks, we have had many of our major events of the year – nearly all featured during Hepatitis Awareness Month or on Hepatitis Testing Day.  Have a look at what we've been up to this past month... HBF preceded the month with its annual, signature fund-raising event. The Crystal Ball was held April 27th and was a very successful, enchanted evening for all in attendance. HBF exceeded goals for the year, and we were pleased to honor Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), who was presented with the Baruch S. Blumberg Prize for his leadership in creating the HHS Action Plan for Viral Hepatitis. The Hepatitis B Foundation was selected as this month’s featured partner by CDC NPIN. What a great honor, and a wonderful opportunity for HBF to showcase some of our programs, services and materials. On May 15th, AAPCHO and HBF, with the support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, launched the Hep B United national campaign.  This unique partnering and collaborative effort will bring attention and action to end hepatitis B – especially among high-risk Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the U.S. You’re going to see a lot of activity out of Hep B United... HBF’s Director of Public Policy & Affairs set off to Washington D.C. to attend the Congressional Briefing on Chronic Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer hosted by our champions in Congress.  Keeping Hepatitis in the hearts and minds of our elected Representatives is paramount in supporting viral hepatitis efforts in our country. Hep B United Philadelphia wrapped up its awesome “B A Hero” PSA video contest and finalists and winners were announced. Check out these great PSAs! Hepatitis Testing Day and the days leading up to the event were extremely busy for the

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/1891-2/
  • Personal Reflection on the May 17th Congressional Briefing: Combating Viral Hepatitis

        On May 17, I attended the Congressional Briefing on Chronic Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, hosted by our unwavering champions, Congressmen Michael Honda (CA) and Charlie Dent (PA).The room was filled with representatives from the advocacy community, elected officials and government agencies, and industry. The event was scheduled to promote the first National Hepatitis Testing Day (May 19th) and to acknowledge the one-year anniversary of the HHS Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis. Congressman Honda also wanted to recognize his colleagues who have joined the new Congressional Hepatitis Caucus and also attended today's briefing:  Judy Chu (D-CA), Bill Cassidy (LA), Hank Johnson (GA), Barbara Lee (CA) and Donna Christensen(Virgin Islands). Although Congressman Dent was unable to attend the event, he sent his full support of both the issue and the event. We now see more Congressional champions supporting the Hepatitis initiative,  and in many cases sharing their own personal stories on how this disease has impacted their lives. For example, Congressman Johnson spoke about his personal experience in combating hepatitis C and the need for more action to increase testing and access to care. The HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Howard Koh was one of the most charismatic persons in the room, giving credit to both the Congressional Champions and the public health heroes. Dr. Koh also specifically mentioned that the Hepatitis B Foundation, a Pennsylvania non-profit organization, has done incredible work developing a strong system to ensure that chronic hepatitis B patients identified during community screenings have access to care. Dr. Koh also commended his agency colleagues at HHS -  Dr. Ron Valdessari, Ms. Corrina Dan, and Ms. Sophie Tan for their tireless work to address this public health crisis. It is all of these resources coming together and the strong interagency collaboration that has helped bring about

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/personal-reflection-on-the-may-17th-congressional-briefing-combating-viral-hepatitis/
  • Physician Directory (U.S. & International)

    The Hepatitis B Foundation has created a directory of liver specialists to help those seeking qualified medical care. The specialists have agreed to be included in this directory and treat chronic hepatitis B and/or liver cancer and are willing to be contacted for further information.  Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. In general, most liver specialists are either hepatologists or gastroenterologists. Some may be infectious disease doctors. In some countries there may be a very limited number of liver specialists. We suggest that a person may find a liver specialist or a doctor with experience treating patients with hepatitis B at larger hospitals and research or teaching hospitals. You're invited to let us know if you encounter out-of-date contact information for a physician. If so, please send a note to info@hepb.org. We urge each person to discuss a liver specialist referral with their own personal health care provider. Disclaimer The Hepatitis B Foundation Liver Specialist Directory is intended for use by the public to assist in locating a liver specialist within a specific state or country. All data is self-reported and is not intended for use by organizations requiring credentialing verification. The HBF does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or appropriateness for a particular purpose of the information contained in the Liver Specialist Directory. The HBF does not endorse the individuals listed in the service, nor does HBF verify medical qualifications, licenses, practice areas or suitability of those listed. In no event shall the HBF be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken by you based upon the information provided in the service. Note: This is not a physician referral service. The HBF cannot provide referrals to specific physicians nor advice on individual medical problems. By searching this directory, you agree to these conditions. Physician Registration We invite qualified liver specialists who are knowledgeable about chronic hepatitis B to be listed in our directory. Register here If you are already registered in our directory and would like to make a change to your information, please send an email to info@hepb.org. Do you have a specialist to recommend? Send your doctor's name and contact information to info@hepb.org, and we will contact them personally. Below are the closest physicians in your area. Please note that the names in this directory are provided as a free public service for those affected by hepatitis B and are not to be used as a commercial mailing list. Do you have a specialist to recommend? Send your doctor's name and contact information to directory@hepb.org, and we will contact them personally.

    https://www.hepb.org/treatment-and-management/physician-directory/

  • Donate Your Car to Support the Hepatitis B Foundation Are you thinking of selling or trading in a vehicle?  Donate it to the Hepatitis B Foundation instead. Turn your car, running or not, into a tax-deductible contribution and help find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide.  The Hepatitis B Foundation works with a full-service partner that will make all the arrangements to conveniently and quickly pick-up your vehicle donation at no cost to you. They handle the pick-up, the title transfer requirements, and sale of the vehicle. Donating your car is easy.  Simply call 877-227-7487, extension 2815, and a trained service provider will walk you through the process.  Need more information?  View our most frequently asked questions below or contact us at info@hepb.org.   FAQs What can I donate?We accept most cars, vans, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, RVs and even airplanes! Is my donation tax deductible?The Hepatitis B Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization and your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.  To benefit from this tax-deduction, you must itemize your taxes.  What do I need to provide?Besides the car, we would like the title to the vehicle. If you do not have it, call us anyway. It is possible that other arrangements may be made. My car hasn't run in years. Can I still donate it?Yes, most vehicles are accepted, running or not (exceptions include older vehicles whose value would not offset the cost of towing). Can you pick up vehicles in all 50 states?It is possible to pick up most vehicles in the continental U.S. and Hawaii. How will the car be picked up?Arrangements will be made to have your vehicle towed away at a scheduled time. How long will it take to pick up my car?Someone will contact you to schedule an appointment within three or four business days at the most.  

    https://www.hepb.org/donate/donate-your-car/
  • Transmission of Hepatitis B

    The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood and sexual fluids. This can most commonly occur in the following ways:   Direct contact with infected blood   From an infected pregnant person to their newborn during pregnancy and childbirth   Needles and other medical/dental equipments or procedures that are contaminated or not sterile   Unprotected sex   Use of illegal or “street” drugs Body piercing, tattooing, acupuncture and even nail salons are other potential routes of infection unless sterile needles and equipment are used. In addition, sharing sharp instruments such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, earrings and body jewelry can be a source of infection.  Hepatitis B is NOT transmitted casually. It cannot be spread through toilet seats, doorknobs, sneezing, coughing, hugging or eating meals with someone who is infected with hepatitis B. High-Risk Groups The hepatitis B virus can infect infants, children, teens and adults. It is not a genetic disease – it is an infectious disease that is transmitted through blood. Although everyone may be at risk for a hepatitis B infection during their lifetime, there are groups of people who are at higher risk because of where they were born, their occupation or life choices. The following is a guide for screening high-risk groups for hepatitis B, but the list certainly doesn't represent all potential risk factors. Health care providers and emergency responders Sexually active individuals (more than 1 partner in the past six months) Men who have sex with men Individuals diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease Illicit drug users (injecting, inhaling, snorting, pill popping) Sexual partners or those living in close household contact with an infected person Individuals born in countries where hepatitis B is common (Asia, Africa, South America, Pacific Islands, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East) Individuals born to parents who have emigrated from countries where hepatitis B is common (see #7) Children adopted from countries where hepatitis B is common (see #7) Adoptive families of children from countries where hepatitis B is common (see #7) Anyone diagnosed with cancer prior to initiation of anticancer treatment Kidney dialysis patients and those in early kidney (renal) failure Inmates and staff of a correctional facility Residents and staff of facilities for developmentally disabled persons ALL pregnant women On July 27, 2020, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) published provisional guidelines recommending that all people diagnosed with cancer be tested for hepatitis B before starting anticancer treatment. According to the ASCO statement, up to 90% of people diagnosed with cancer have at least one risk factor for hepatitis B. Cancer treatments can suppress the immune system and cause the virus to reactivate, which can lead to serious liver damage or liver failure.

    https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/transmission/
  • Dr. Eugene Schiff Receives Hepatitis B Foundation’s Highest Scientific Honor

    Dr. Eugene Schiff (center) receives the 2015 Baruch S. Blumberg Prize and celebrates with the Hepatitis B Foundation Board and Mrs. Jean Blumberg (3rd from right). Photo: Natalie and Jung Wi, Allure West Studios. DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (May 2015) – The 2015 Crystal Ball, hosted by the Hepatitis B Foundation (www.hepb.org), raised $110,000 to benefit their global research, outreach and patient advocacy programs. The gala evening included dancing, a live and silent auction, and awards ceremony that attracted hundreds of supporters. The 2015 gala was dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) by Dr. Baruch S. Blumberg, who passed away in 2011. Dr. Blumberg received the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his discovery of the virus in 1976. He and his colleagues also developed the blood test that is used to detect the virus and invented the first hepatitis B vaccine in 1969. Dr. Blumberg also was a co-founder of the Hepatitis B Foundation. Dr. Eugene Schiff, Director of the Schiff Center for Liver Diseases at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, was awarded the 2015 Baruch S. Blumberg Prize, the highest scientific honor that the foundation confers, for his pioneering work in hepatitis B and its medical management. Dr. Timothy Block, president of the Blumberg Institute, presented the honor to Dr. Schiff along with Mrs. Jean Blumberg and her daughter, Anne Blumberg. Joel Rosen, managing partner of High Schwartz LLP and chairman of the board of the Hepatitis B Foundation also presented the 2015 Community Commitment Award to Drs. Bruce and Cyndie Maryanoff, of the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. The Maryanoffs, who live in New Hope, Pa., are distinguished scientists who have provided dedicated service to the scientific community and generous support to their local community. The Community Commitment Award was presented to Drs. Cyndie and Bruce Maryanoff of New Hope, PA by Joel Rosen, Hepatitis B Foundation Chairman (left). Photo: Natalie and Jung Wi, Allure West Studios. The prizes awarded tonight demonstrate our recognition of and appreciation for the outstanding contributions Dr. Schiff and Drs. Bruce and Cyndie Maryanoff have made toward medicine and their respective communities,” Block said. “On behalf of the Hepatitis B Foundation, I’d like to thank our honorees and guests for helping us further our mission of developing therapies to combat hepatitis B and improve the lives of those affected worldwide.” Hundreds of leaders from the community, academic institutions, government, health care and biotech industries helped the foundation honor Dr. Eugene Schiff at the “Paper Lantern Festival,” which was emceed by Mr. Patrick Walsh of The Walsh Group and held at the Warrington Country Club in Warrington, Pa., on April 17. The Hepatitis B Foundation’s Annual Crystal Ball Gala would not have been possible without the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Univest Bank; Platinum Sponsors Gilead Sciences, and Tekmira Pharmaceuticals, which recently merged with OnCore Biopharma; Diamond Sponsors ContraVir and Arrowhead Research Corporation; Emerald Sponsors Allure West Studios, deArt Folio, Furia Rubel Communications, High Swartz LLP, and Fulton Bank; and Media Sponsor Bucks County Herald.

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/dr-eugene-schiff-receives-hepatitis-b-foundations-highest-scientific-honor/