title: The delta agent: HBsAg particles with delta antigen and RNA in the serum of an HBV carrier.
abstract: The hepatitis B virus-associated delta antigen was detected in the serum of a young female drug addict with acute hepatitis and a previous history of hepatitis B surface antigen carrier. Delta antigen was associated with a 35- to 37-nm subpopulation of hepatitis B surface antigen particles which banded at a density of 1.25 gm per cm3 of CsCl and contained a small RNA of approximately 5.5 X 10(5) molecular weight. This report demonstrates that delta antigen is associated with a unique subpopulation of hepatitis B surface antigen particles and small RNA in human serum.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002353:Carrier State / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D035923:Hepatitis delta Antigens; D006801:Humans; D012313:RNA / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D035923:Hepatitis delta Antigens; D012313:RNA