Clinical, serological and molecular characteristics of 471 hepatitis B virus carriers

S. Bar-Shany, T. Shohat, R. Tur-Kaspa, R. Slepon, S. Heering, Y. Lerman, M. Green, E. Gilon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

A total of 471 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) blood donors identified as hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers were examined a few months after blood donation. When compared to the general population of IDF blood donors the HBV carriers were older, belonged to certain ethnic groups and were predominantly males. Physical examination revealed minimal findings: 1 (0.3%) had splenomegaly and 5 (1.6%) had hepatomegaly. Fifty-two individuals (11.1%) had elevated liver enzymes. E antigen was present in 3.2% of HBV carriers, 94% had anti-e antibodies and 1.9% had anti-delta antibodies. Of 258 carriers tested for HBV DNA, 29 (11.2%) were positive. Abnormal liver enzymes were significantly associated with the presence of e antigen as well as with the presence of HBV DNA.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)263-266
Number of pages4
JournalIsrael Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume30
Issue number4
StatePublished - Apr 1994
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Blood donors
  • HBV DNA
  • HBV carriers

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Clinical, serological and molecular characteristics of 471 hepatitis B virus carriers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this