What is the primary indication for treatment with lamivudine?

Lamivudine is primarily indicated for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor that works by interfering with the replication of the virus, thereby helping to suppress viral load and decrease liver inflammation. This antiviral agent has been shown to effectively reduce the levels of HBV DNA in patients and improve liver histology in those with chronic hepatitis B.

While lamivudine has activity against other viruses, its primary use is particularly significant in the management of chronic hepatitis B due to its favorable safety profile and long-term efficacy. It is less commonly used for other viral infections like herpes simplex, influenza, or cytomegalovirus, which have specific treatments tailored for those conditions. Thus, when focusing on chronic Hepatitis B, lamivudine serves as a key therapeutic option in antiviral treatment strategies.