A Serological Tool for the Diagnostics of Virus B Hepatitis

The detection of a “new” antigen‐antibody system intimately associated with virus B hepatitis is reported. The antigenic determinant(s) of this system are quite different from hepatitis B antigen (HBAg) determinants as demonstrated by a non‐identity reaction in the modified gel precipitation test closed hexagon immuno diffusion (CHI). Indications, mainly based on electron microscopy, are given that the antigenic components of this system are connected with the 27nm “core” of the Dane particle. The serum of a patient with chronic hepatitis demonstrated 26–28nm “virion like” particles without detergent treatment. Antibodies reacting in the new system have been detected in patients who have undergone virus B hepatitis the outcome of which was totally different with regard to HB antigen/antibodies. A long‐term HBAg carrier, a HBAb carrier and 2 patients with no antigen or antibody possessed a common antibody population giving precipitation lines in this system. The practical application of this new serological tool may be impeded by the limited supplies of suitable antigen i.e. Dane particles. This difficulty may be overcome by cooperation and exchange of sera between laboratories.