[Hepatitis B virus antigens and antibodies in acute infection]

Investigations of hepatitis B virus antigens (HBsAg and HBeAg) and antibody (anti-HBc, anti-HBe, anti-HBs) and DNA-polymerase activity in 136 patients with acute virus hepatitis B revealed their different diagnostic value depending on the severity of the process. The rate of finding of hepatitis B virus antigens declines in regression of the clinical symptoms of the disease. However, when hepatodystrophy develops, HBsAg and HBeAg concentration decreases, anti-HBc persist, and in one third of the patients anti-HBs are found. In moderately severe and mild forms of hepatitis, anti-HBs were detected in the convalescent period, as a rule.