VIRAL HEPATIT DERGISI-VIRAL HEPATITIS JOURNAL, cilt.22, sa.3, ss.69-73, 2016 (ESCI)
Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) refers to reappearance of active necroinflammatory disease of the liver in an individual at an inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carrier state or who is known to have resolved HBV infection. Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy for malignant, autoimmune or chronic rheumatic diseases are at risk for HBV reactivation and a flare of their HBV infection due to loss of HBV immune control. HBV reactivation can be prevented by antiviral prophylaxis. Antiviral drugs given after the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy are less effective for liver injury and should not be preferred.