title: Comparison of enzyme-labelled F(ab')2 and IgG conjugates in an enzyme-immunoassay for hepatitis B 'e' antigen.
abstract: An improved enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) for the detection of hepatitis B 'e' antigen (HBeAg) and its corresponding antibody is described. The present test is as sensitive as the previous one but it is more specific as demonstrated by testing donor/recipient sera, donor plasmas and patients sera. Interference by antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) did not occur due to the use of HBsAg-free reagents. Interference by rheumatoid factor could be avoided by using enzyme-labelled F(ab')2 rather than IgG conjugates. The application of an F(ab')2 conjugate, however, introduced other non-specific reactions, particularly in sera from patients with (autoimmune) liver disorder. Further study into the applicability of F(ab')2 conjugates is therefore indicated.
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D001782:Blood Donors; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor