The present invention relates to a method for identifying a compound that prevents, ameliorates and/or inhibits a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, wherein a compound that (i) reduces the expression and/or activity of PAP associated domain containing 5 (PAPD5) and/or PAP associated domain containing 7 (PAPD7); and/or (ii) binds to PAPD5 and/or PAPD7 and inhibits 5 propagation of HBV; is identified as a compound that prevents, ameliorates and/or inhibits a HBV infection. The invention also provides for an inhibitor of PAPD5 and/or PAPD7 for use in treating and/or preventing a HBV infection; as well as a combined preparation comprising an inhibitor of PAPD5 and an inhibitor of PAPD7 for simultaneous or sequential use in the treatment or prevention of a HBV infection. Also comprised in the present invention is a 10 pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment and/or prevention of a HBV infection, and a method for monitoring the therapeutic success during the treatment of a HBV infection.