American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What are common antiviral treatments used for Hepatitis B virus (HBV)?

1. Ribavirin and interferon

2. Entecavir and tenofovir

3. Sofosbuvir and ledipasvir

4. Lamivudine and adefovir

The correct answer is: Entecavir and tenofovir

The correct answer focuses on the antiviral treatments that are specifically effective for managing Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. Entecavir and tenofovir are considered first-line therapeutic agents for chronic hepatitis B due to their potent antiviral activity and favorable resistance profiles. Entecavir is a nucleoside analogue that inhibits HBV replication by blocking the reverse transcriptase enzyme, leading to decreased viral load and improved liver function. Tenofovir, particularly in its disoproxil fumarate form, is another highly effective nucleotide analogue that also targets the reverse transcriptase and has been widely used due to its effectiveness in suppressing HBV. These medications are preferred due to their high barrier to resistance compared to other options available for HBV treatment, making them suitable for a longer duration of therapy without the concern of developing viral resistance. Other choices listed either refer to antiviral agents that are not primarily used for HBV or represent combinations that are less commonly employed in the treatment of chronic HBV infection. Thus, the selection of entecavir and tenofovir aligns with current guidelines and practices for effectively managing chronic HBV.