[Subtypes of HBs antigen in Poland]

A total of 187 sera positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBSAg) were collected from blood banks and clinics representative for the various regions of Poland. 139 sera were from symptomless carriers of HBSAg, 34 sera--from patients with acute hepatitis, and 14 sera--from patients with chronic hepatitis. In the group of HBSAg carriers, subtype HBSAg/adw was found in 80,6% of cases, and sybtype HBSAg/ayw--in 19.4% of cases; in patients with acute hepatitis subtype adw was found in 82,5% of cases, and subtype ayw--in 17,5% of cases; in patients with chronic hepatitis subtype adw was found in 78,6% of cases, and subtype ayw--in 21,4% of cases.