title: Tests for Dane particles in serum concentrates of HBsAg positive hemodialysis patients.
abstract: The present study was undertaken to assess the infectivity of sera from HBsAg positive hemodialysis patients by measuring HBeAg, DNA polymerase activity and Dane particle associated HBcAg. Of 33 sera tested 25 were positive for at least one of these tests for Dane particles, indicating that most HBsAg positive hemodialysis patients are highly infectious. The demonstration of DNA polymerase activity in serum concentrates was proven to be the most sensitive assay for the detection and quantitation of Dane particles in serum. We conclude from our results that HBsAg positive hemodialysis patients should be treated in separate units and be served by staff who are either anti-HBs positive or HBsAg carriers.
mesh_terms: D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000097:blood; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D006435:Renal Dialysis
chemical_list: D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase