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Radioimmunoassay detection of igm antibodies to the hbv‐associated delta (δ) antigen: Clinical significance in δ infection
Author(s) -
Smedile Antonina,
Lavarini Carla,
Crivelli Osvaldo,
Raimondo Giovanni,
Fassone Maurizio,
Rizzetto Mario
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9071
pISSN - 0146-6615
DOI - 10.1002/jmv.1890090208
Subject(s) - radioimmunoassay , antigen , virology , serology , hbsag , antibody , immunology , immunoglobulin m , hepatitis b virus , hepatitis b , virus , medicine , biology , immunoglobulin g
A sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed for specific detection of IgM antibodies to the hepatitis B virus‐associated δ antigen. The test is based on the selective absorption of IgM by anti–IgM fixed on a solid phase. Transient primary IgM anti4 responses with no conversion to a secondary IgG response were observed in acute self–limited δ infection. IgM anti‐δ was invariably found in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers with active δ infection and liver disease, while it was absent in HBsAg‐positive or negative individuals with anti‐δ of IgG class but without liver damage or intrahepatic δ antigen. IgM anti‐δ appears useful in defining the epidemiology of acute δ infection and in the serological diagnosis of active δ disease from nonpathogenic or past δ infection.