The Viral Hepatitis Northern Network: A Platform for Addressing Viral Hepatitis in the Canadian North

Earlier studies have identified that approximately 3-5% of individuals residing in the Canadian North are infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Based on data from similar populations elsewhere in the world, it was anticipated that untreated, 30-40% of these individuals will develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. One of the purposes of this project is to identify which of these individuals are at greatest risk of developing these life threatening clinical outcomes and establish a formal process whereby those at greatest risk could be monitored and treated to prevent such outcomes. In addition, the investigators intend to determine whether individuals who were previously infected with HBV but spontaneously (or as a result of anti-viral therapy) cleared the virus, remain at risk of developing cirrhosis and/or liver cancer. The main objectives of this proposal are 1) to establish a database for all hepatitis B infected Northern Canadians, 2) to identify which individuals are at greatest risk of developing cirrhosis and/or liver cancer from ongoing or previous hepatitis B viral infections and 3) determine why the virus causes disease in some but not all infected individuals.