title: Infectivity markers in HBsAg chronic carriers and intrafamilial spread of hepatitis B virus infection.
abstract: Sera from 28 HBsAg chronic carriers were tested for the presence of HBeAg, anti-HBe and Dane particle-associated DNA-polymerase activity, in order to evaluate the relationship between the presence of these markers and the spread of HBV infection in their family contacts. A highly significant prevalence of HBV infection was observed in the relatives of HBsAg carriers who were positive for either HBeAg or DNA-polymerase activity or both. These observations support the inference of a striking correlation between the presence of these markers and the infectivity of HBsAg carriers. Therefore, serological determination of HBeAg and DNA-polymerase activity may be considered in the epidemiological control of HBV infection
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002353:Carrier State / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000097:blood; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase