Quantitation of HBeAG and anti-HBe by RIA in sera of chronic HBsAG carriers and individuals with type B hepatitis.

This paper gives the results for HBeAg and anti-HBe titers in chronic HBsAg carriers and patients with type B hepatitis using a "solid-phase" radioimmunoassay. In tumor and hemodialysis patients the HBeAg titers are statistically significant higher compared to the group of HBsAg positive CAH or CPH. High anti-HBe titers are a characteristic finding in "healthy" HBsAg carriers. On the other hand, there is a subgroup of HBsAg positive CAH with anti-HBe; although there are signs of an ongoing virus B replication these cases of CAH proceed sometimes to cirrhosis.