A simple and rapid method utilizing immune adherence hemagglutination has been developed for the detection of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) was prepared from Dane particles that had been isolated from plasma of asymptomatic antigen carriers. The method was specific and about 10 times more sensitive than the conventional complement-fixation method.A total of 215 serum samples obtained from healthy blood donors were surveyed for HBcAg and anti-HBc, as well as for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs). Anti-HBc was found in 36 serum samples, at a prevalence rate higher than that of anti-HBs (31/215). Anti-HBc in 28 serum samples was associated with anti-HBs, and in two it was found with HBsAg. There were six serum samples in which anti-HBc was detected without any of anti-HBs, HBcAg, and HBsAg.
展开▼
