Abstract
A viral infection characterised by serum HBsAg positivity with serum anti-HBc negativity has been encountered in Senegal. The infection is not associated with the presence of HBeAg, so it differs from hepatitis B virus in its core antigen, but the surface antigen of the two viruses share some epitopes. After the loss of HBsAg, neither anti-HBc nor anti-HBs becomes detectable. Anti-HBs, naturally acquired or produced by immunisation, does not protect against this new infection. Chronic carriage occurs. If this new infection is confirmed to cause chronic liver disease, hepatitis B vaccine should include surface antigen from the new virus.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Carrier State / immunology
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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DNA, Viral / analysis
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Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
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Epitopes
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Follow-Up Studies
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Hepatitis B Antibodies / analysis
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Hepatitis B Core Antigens / analysis
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / analysis*
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Hepatitis B Vaccines
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Hepatitis B virus / immunology*
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Hepatitis, Viral, Human / epidemiology
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Hepatitis, Viral, Human / immunology*
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Hepatitis, Viral, Human / prevention & control
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Humans
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Immunization
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Nucleic Acid Hybridization
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Senegal
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Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / immunology
Substances
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DNA, Viral
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Epitopes
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Hepatitis B Antibodies
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Hepatitis B Core Antigens
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
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Hepatitis B Vaccines
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Viral Hepatitis Vaccines