title: Radioimmunoassay detection of IgM antibodies to the HBV-associated delta (delta) antigen:" clinical significance in delta infection.
abstract: A sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed for specific detection of IgM antibodies to the hepatitis b virus-associated delta antigen. The test is based on the selective absorption of IgM by anti-IgM fixed on a solid phase. Transient primary IgM anti-delta responses with no conversion to a secondary IgG response were observed in acute self-limited delta infection. IgM anti-delta was invariably found in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers with active delta infection and liver disease, while it was absent in HBsAg-positive or negative individuals with anti-delta of IgG class but without liver damage or intrahepatic delta antigen. IgM anti-delta appears useful in defining the epidemiology of acute delta infection and in the serological diagnosis of active delta disease from nonpathogenic or past delta infection.
mesh_terms: D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D000939:Epitopes; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D035923:Hepatitis delta Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000939:Epitopes; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D035923:Hepatitis delta Antigens; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M