Australia antigen: persistence of immunological markers (d, y, w) in antigen carriers

It is important to establish the stability of Australia antigen subtypes in chronic carriers in order to evaluate the validity of using immunological determinants as long-term epidemiological markers. In this study sequential blood samples containing Australia antigen from 31 chronic carriers were typed for determinants d, y, and w. The subjects included asymptomatic carriers from Rongelap Atoll in the Marshall Islands, Down's syndrome patients, and renal patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. The period of time between blood samples extended from 3 months to 11 years. In no case did the subtype change within any individual. It appears from these data that the Australia antigen subtypes are good long-term markers for epidemiological studies.