Abstract
Urine from 19 chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers was tested for markers of HBV infection. Hepatitis B surface and e antigens were excreted in the urine of about one-half of the patients, but not in any consistent pattern. HBV DNA, a much more sensitive indicator of infectivity, was found in only one specimen and then in very low concentration. We conclude that urine of chronic HBV carriers is not a major vehicle for the transmission of hepatitis B.
MeSH terms
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Autoradiography
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Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / immunology
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Carrier State / diagnosis*
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DNA, Viral / urine*
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DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / urine
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Female
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Hepatitis B / diagnosis*
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Hepatitis B Antigens / urine*
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / analysis
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / urine*
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Hepatitis B e Antigens / analysis
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Hepatitis B e Antigens / urine*
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Hepatitis B virus / enzymology
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Humans
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Kidney Transplantation
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Liver Neoplasms / immunology
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Male
Substances
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DNA, Viral
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Hepatitis B Antigens
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
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Hepatitis B e Antigens
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DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase