title: HBV DNA and other hepatitis B virus markers in sera from long-term hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients.
abstract: Sera from 191 long-term hemodialysis patients and from 115 renal transplant patients were studied for the presence of HBsAg and other HBV markers. In 19.1% of the hemodialysis patients and 28.7% of the transplant patients, the sera were positive for HBeAg.HBV DNA in sera was detected by molecular hybridization. HBV DNA was present in the sera of 15 out of 16 hemodialysis patients positive for HBeAg, and in one hemodialysis patient positive for anti-HBe. All renal transplant patients positive for HBeAg were also positive for HBV DNA. Twelve transplant patients were positive for HBV DNA, but negative for both HBeAg and anti-HBe. Determination of HBV DNA was the most sensitive marker of infectivity in patients with end-stage renal disease, and in renal transplant patients.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens