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Hepatitis B virus DNA in serum from patients with acute hepatitis B
Author(s) -
Krogsgaard Kim,
Kryger Peter,
Aldershvile Jan,
Andersson Poul,
Brechot Christian
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.488
H-Index - 361
eISSN - 1527-3350
pISSN - 0270-9139
DOI - 10.1002/hep.1840050104
Subject(s) - hbeag , medicine , hbsag , hepatitis b virus , hepatitis b , virology , gastroenterology , virus , hepadnaviridae , immunology
Sera from 77 consecutive patients with acute type B hepatitis were examined for hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) by a spot hybridization method. The median follow‐up time was 8 months (range, 1 week to 3 years). HBV DNA was detected in 26 (34%) patients on admission to the hospital. A significant positive correlation was found between short duration of symptoms and the presence of HBV DNA (p < 0.025). Twenty‐four (46%) of 52 HBeAg‐positive patients were HBV DNA positive compared to 2 HBV DNA‐positive patients of 25 HBeAg‐negative patients (8%) (p < 0.001). Four HBeAg‐negative patients had serum HBV DNA initially or during follow‐up; three had anti‐HBe. Six of 77 patients with acute type B hepatitis (8%) became chronic HBsAg carriers, and HBV DNA was detectable from 5 months to more than 3 years after onset of symptoms. The presence of serum HBV DNA for more than 8 weeks after initial symptoms may predict development of a chronic HBsAg carrier state. In none of the chronic carriers was serum HBV DNA present after clearing of HBeAg.