[Cytogenic analysis in HBsAg positive subjects, healthy carriers and patients with acute-phase hepatitis].

A highly significant incidence, ranging from 3% to 20% of chromosomal stickiness and agglutination, has been found in 100% of patients with viral hepatitis HBsAg positive and, in lower grade, in carriers of HBsAg. Whereas, such a structural aberration does not occur in normal subjects. No statistical difference has been found as regard chromosomal fragmentation, presence of incisures and numerical anomalies. A possible role of the observed alterations for an impaired cellular immune function observed in healthy HBsAg carriers has been discussed.