title: Detection of markers of hepatitis B virus infection in urine of chronic carriers.
abstract: Urine from 19 chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers was tested for markers of HBV infection. Hepatitis B surface and e antigens were excreted in the urine of about one-half of the patients, but not in any consistent pattern. HBV DNA, a much more sensitive indicator of infectivity, was found in only one specimen and then in very low concentration. We conclude that urine of chronic HBV carriers is not a major vehicle for the transmission of hepatitis B.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Di Bisceglie
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Dusheiko
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Kew
mesh_terms: D001345:Autoradiography; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000276:immunology; D002353:Carrier State / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000652:urine*; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000652:urine*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000652:urine*; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000652:urine*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase