Abstract
Variants of hepatitis B virus (HBV), with amino acid substitutions in the major antigenic "a" determinant of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), have been described mainly in vaccinated children. In the present study in addition to vaccinated children, we have investigated Chinese blood donors positive for anti-HBc alone, and a patient with continuing liver disease after interferon-induced seroconversion to anti-HBs. Variants were detected in two of four children with break-through infections. One child had a double mutation (P142S and G145R) and the other a G145A substitution. Three of seven anti-HBc positive Chinese blood donors had a T131I substitution, whilst the interferon-treated patient had a treble amino acid substitution (P142S, G145R and N146D). The present results indicate that HBsAg variants may exist in individuals other than vaccinated children.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 154-158 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Viral Hepatitis |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2001 |
Keywords
- HBsAg variants
- Interferon
- Vaccinees