Liver disease activity and hepatitis B virus replication in chronic delta antigen-positive hepatitis B virus carriers.

Abstract

Delta antigen is currently thought to reflect superinfection of the liver with a defective RNA virus (delta agent), requiring helper function from hepatitis B virus for its replication. To assess the influence of delta agent on hepatitis B virus replication in patients persistently infected with both viruses and showing chronic liver disease, we measured serum and liver hepatitis B virus DNA in HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease patients who were either positive or negative for delta antigen in the liver. Hepatitis B virus DNA was assayed in the serum of 21 patients with delta antigen-positive/HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease and in 21 patients with delta antigen-negative/HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease matched for HBeAg/anti-HBe status and underlying liver histology. HBcAg and delta antigen in liver was determined by immunofluorescence or immunoperoxidase staining. In delta antigen-positive/HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease, serum hepatitis B virus DNA was detected transiently in 4 of 21 cases (19%) and was present in these patients at low levels (trace to 2+). In contrast, 9 of 21 (43%) delta antigen-negative/HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease patients were serum hepatitis B virus DNA positive, and five of these had high serum hepatitis B virus DNA levels (3+ to 4+). Serum HBsAg and anti-HBc titers were significantly lower in delta antigen-positive cases and correlated with reduced amount of HBcAg in the liver.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

• Authors: S J Hadziyannis, M Sherman, H M Lieberman, D A Shafritz
• Journal: Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) (Hepatology) 1985 Jul-Aug Vol. 5 Issue 4 Pg. 544-7 ISSN: 0270-9139 [Print] United States
• PMID: 4018727 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• DNA, Viral
• Hepatitis B Antibodies
• Hepatitis B Antigens
• Hepatitis B Core Antigens
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
• Hepatitis delta Antigens

Topics

• Carrier State (microbiology)
• DNA, Viral (analysis)
• Hepatitis B (microbiology)
• Hepatitis B Antibodies (analysis)
• Hepatitis B Antigens (analysis)
• Hepatitis B Core Antigens (analysis)
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigens (analysis)
• Hepatitis B virus (physiology)
• Hepatitis delta Antigens
• Hepatitis, Chronic (microbiology)
• Humans
• Liver (analysis)
• Virus Replication