Dane particle-associated DNA polymerase and e antigen: relation to chronic hepatitis among carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen.
Thirty-nine carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) were studied with respect to e antigen and Dane particle-associated DNA polymerase activity and their relation to chronic hepatitis. Most of these individuals were followed for four or five years. A strong correlation between e antigen and DNA polymerase activity was found. Of the 22 e antigen-positive patients, 21 showed polymerase activity; none of the 13 e antigen-negative patients (one of whom had antibody to e antigen) had such activity. Three of four patients who became e antigen-negative after being e antigen-positive showed loss of polymerase activity. An independent clinical evaluation showed a strong correlation between chronic hepatitis and positive reactions in the tests for e antigen and DNA polymerase. The results emphasize the possibility of differentiating between groups of chronic carriers of HBs Ag by testing for e antigen and Dane particle-associated DNA polymerase activity. The differentiation may have important clinical implications.
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D002353:Carrier State; D004254:DNA Nucleotidyltransferases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D004254:DNA Nucleotidyltransferases