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Hepatitis B antigen-associated deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase activity and e antigen/anti-e system
Infection and Immunity
|September 1, 1976
Summary
Hepatitis B e antigen in blood donors correlates with DNA polymerase activity, indicating active viral replication. Antibody to e antigen is associated with the absence of this activity, suggesting a role in viral clearance.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
- Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and its antibody (anti-HBe) are important serological markers in HBV infection.
- Detecting active viral replication is crucial for managing HBV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA polymerase activity in asymptomatic blood donors.
- To assess the presence of anti-HBe and its relationship with viral activity markers.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 403 asymptomatic blood donors positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were analyzed.
- HBeAg and anti-HBe were detected using immunodiffusion.
- Hepatitis B antigen (HBAg)-associated DNA polymerase activity was measured using [methyl-3H]thymidine 5'-triphosphate incorporation assays.
Main Results:
- All 58 samples positive for HBeAg showed detectable HBAg-associated DNA polymerase activity.
- None of the 96 samples positive for anti-HBe exhibited DNA polymerase activity.
- Of the 249 samples negative for both HBeAg and anti-HBe, 62 showed lower levels of DNA polymerase activity.
Conclusions:
- HBeAg presence in asymptomatic carriers is strongly associated with active HBV DNA polymerase activity.
- Anti-HBe seroconversion may correlate with the suppression or clearance of HBV replication.
- DNA polymerase activity serves as a marker for HBV replication in HBsAg-positive individuals.