title: HBV infection in Italian family groups.
abstract: Intrafamilial spread of HBV infection was evaluated in 85 Italian family groups. Secondary infected cases were observed in 43% of these families, of which 73% showed clusters of HBs positive members, with a prevalence among the family members (children-siblings) of the mother/wife index cases, and no strict relation to their "e" system. The presence of the delta agent in the index case was correlated to a higher percentage of secondary HBs-positive cases, but the intrafamilial spread of delta agent was a rare event. A similar higher incidence of HBV markers was observed among the relatives of the index cases positive for auto-antibodies. The evidence presented suggests the importance of genetic factors in the acquisition and clearance of HBV and delta infections.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D035923:Hepatitis delta Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D035923:Hepatitis delta Antigens