Quantitation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen in serum in the presence of antibodies to HBV core antigen: comparison with assays of serum HBV DNA, DNA polymerase, and HBV e antigen.

摘要: A quantitation procedure for hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) in serum without prior removal of antibodies to HBcAg is described. The virus nucleoprotein was released from (HBV) particles by treatment with Nonidet P-40 detergent and allowed form immune complexes homologous present the sera HBV-infected individuals. After precipitation 2.0% polyethylene glycol-1.5% Tween 20, were dissociated 3 M KSCN then adsorbed onto polystyrene beads presence SCN- ions. Thereby, linked independently each other matrix, could be quantitated directly incubation 125I-labeled anti-HBc. Even an excess glycol precipitates, detected appreciably affecting sensitivity. assay proved specific determinants exhibited excellent reproducibility. application 185 e antigen-positive revealed HBc antigenemia 99% containing at titers greater than or equal 1:256 43% lower levels. However, only 6 34 HBcAg-negative HBV DNA blot hybridization. When correlated HBV-associated polymerase (DNAP) activity, found all DNAP-positive (n = 95) 39% detectable DNAP activity 44). Of DNAP-negative antigenemia, 94% contained DNA, whereas absence HBcAg, 27 sera. With regard sensitivity, appeared less sensitive hybridization technique, but more assay.