title: Simultaneous presence of HBsAg and anti-HBs in the serum of different subtypes (serological and immunofluorescent studies).
abstract: Serological and immunofluorescent studies were performed in 3 patients with the simultaneous presence of HBsAg and anti-HBs in the serum. Our investigations revealed the following results: HBsAg and anti-HBs in the serum were of different subtypes. HBsAg in the serum and in the liver had the same subtype. HBsAg in the liver did not react with the circulating anti-HBs in the patient's own serum. HBsAg-anti-HBs immune complexes could not be detected in the serum or in the liver tissue. These phenomena can most readily be explained by at least 2 contacts with hepatitis-B-viruses of different subtypes, one leading to immune tolerance and the other to an immune response. In a follow-up study there was no evidence for a short-term change in HBsAg subtype. Unexplained remains the cause why one contact with HBV did lead to immune tolerance and a second to an immune response.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000917:Antibody Formation; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000635:transmission; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis* / Q000145:classification; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D008099:Liver / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens