title: Serological responses to hepatitis B virus infection in multi-transfused thalassemic children.
abstract: One hundred children with beta-thalassemia major were studied prospectively. A one time analysis of serum samples was carried out for a battery of hepatitis B viral markers viz., HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc. Seven mutually different serological patterns were observed. The commonest profile seen in 49 patients was a combined seropositivity for anti-HBc and anti-HBs indicating past HBV infection with persisting immunity. Definite evidence of active HBV infection (seropositivity for HBsAg and/or HBeAg) was demonstrated in 10 cases, six of these were HBsAg positive. Anti-HBc positivity alone was detected in 17 patients. The remaining 24 children were seropositive for anti-HBs alone suggesting a possible passive transmission of anti-HBs through blood transfusion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gulati
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Marwaha
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Dilawari
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Midha
authors.forename: B N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Walia
mesh_terms: D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003906:Developing Countries; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens