The development of highly sensitive hemagglutination (HA) assays for detection of hepatitis B antibody has made possible observation of primary anamnestic antibody responses in most individuals exposed to hepatitis B virus and the development and evaluation of a hyperimmune γ‐globulin preparation. The hemagglutination inhibition assay, while more sensitive than previous techniques for the detection of hepatitis B antigen (HB‐ag) carriers, does not presently appear suitable for use in routine screening of blood donors. However, use of this assay to subtype the antigenic specificities of HB‐ag makes it a valuable identity test for ultrasensitive assays. Prospective serologic follow‐up of children newly admitted to an institution for the mentally retarded and studies on HB‐ag carriers and their families (by hemagglutination inhibition and HA techniques) have revealed that the ratio of infection to clinical disease in hepatitis B infections is greater than 28:1.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Prince et al. (1973) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: