Prevalence of specific IgA and IgM anti-HBc antibodies compared with HBV DNA in the sera of HBsAg chronic carriers

Salem Elsana, Yonat Shemer-Avni, Etnanuel Sikuler, Batia Sarov, Lechaim Naggan, Shulamith Bar-Shany, Eliahu Gilon, Arieh Yaari, Mordechay Orgel, Gerald M. Frazer, Miriam Margalith

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated the significance of IgA antibodies directed against the hepatitis B vims core antigen OgA anti-HBc) as a marker for viral replication. Study Design/Methods: Serum samples of 143 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers and 189 HBsAg-negative subjects were studied. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction. IgA anti-HBc was determined by a capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay developed in our laboratory. The results were compared with those for IgM anti-HBc, which were determined by a commercially available method. Results: IgA anti-HBc was detected in 57 (40%) and HBV DNA in 38 (27%) of the HBsAg carriers. Among the HBsAg-negative subjects, IgA anti-HBc and HBV DNA were detected simultaneously in four samples. All 42 HBV DNA-positive samples were IgA anti-HBc positive. IgM anti-HBc was detected in 27 (64%) of them. Conclusions: IgA anti-HBc is a sensitive marker for HBV replication, and its absence may exclude HBV replication. The role of IgA anti-HBc in monitoring response to therapy and predicting clinical course is being evaluated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)52-57
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Human Virology
Volume1
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1 Nov 1997

Keywords

  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
  • Hepatitis B virus DNA
  • IgA anti-HBc
  • IgM anti-HBc
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Virology

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