A dynamic study of the intrafamilial spread of hepatitis B virus infection: relation with the viral replication.

Abstract

A total of 848 household contacts of 285 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) chronic carriers were included in a prospective study. Of the total number of contacts negative for hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers at baseline, 330 relatives of 145 HBsAg carriers were observed over a mean period of 20.1 months. Among all household contacts, 284 (33.5%) were found positive for at least one HBV marker. The prevalence of HBV markers was significantly higher among the contacts of more than one HBsAg carrier (75.9%) than among those with only one (26.0%) (P less than .001). The presence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), specific HBV-DNA polymerase (HBV-DNAp), HBV-DNA, and polymerized human serum albumin (pHSA-R) in the index case was associated with a significantly higher incidence of HBV markers among household contacts. During the follow-up, the number of household contacts initially negative for HBV markers who became infected was found to be in direct relation to the presence of HBeAg, HBV-DNAp, HBV-DNA and pHSA-R in the index case.

• Authors: J C Porres, V Carreño, J Bartolomé, J Gutiez, I Castillo
• Journal: Journal of medical virology (J Med Virol) Vol. 28 Issue 4 Pg. 237-42 (Aug 1989) ISSN: 0146-6615 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2778447 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Hepatitis B Antibodies
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigens

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Carrier State (epidemiology, genetics)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Chronic Disease
• Family
• Female
• Hepatitis B (epidemiology, microbiology, transmission)
• Hepatitis B Antibodies (analysis)
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigens (analysis)
• Hepatitis B virus (growth & development)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Risk Factors
• Spain
• Virus Replication