Serological markers of hepatitis A and B virus infection in university students

Serological markers of hepatitis A and B virus infection were determined by radioimmunoassay in 162 university students. Antibody to hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe) was demonstrated in 11 of 15 students positive for both antibody to hepatitis B e antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). The presence of anti-HBc alone seemed to denote previous hepatitis B virus infection. Antibody to hepatitis A virus was demonstrated only in 3%. Study of 23 stored HBsAg-positive sera showed high titer anti-HBc significantly more frequently in sera positive for anti-HBe than in sera positive for hepatitis B e antigen. Incidence of hepatitis B e antigen was significantly higher in male students with HBsAg, and that of anti-HBe in female students.