title: Etiology of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative chronic hepatitis.
abstract: A study was undertaken to elucidate the etiology of HBsAg-negative chronic hepatitis. Form 37 individuals with HBsAg-negative chronic hepatitis, 11 had liver membrane autoantibody (LMA) and were thus classified as autoimmune. 6 patients had anti-HBc, 1 of which was also positive for LMA. The majority of individuals with HBsAg-negative chronic hepatitis had antibodies to hepatitis A antigen (anti-HAV), in general at low titer. We conclude from our data that hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus infections are unlikely to play a significant role in inducing or maintaining HBs-Ag-negative chronic hepatitis. The etiological role of non-A non-B hepatitis agent(s) is difficult to estimate and must await the detection of appropriate markers for type non-A non-B hepatitis.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000276:immunology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D001323:Autoantibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens