The clinical value of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of anti-HBc IgM was evaluated by testing 202 sera from acute viral hepatitis B (AVHB), hepatitis B (HB), chronic hepatitis (CAH), chronic liver disease (CLD), cirrhosis, primary hepatoma, HBsAg carrier, acute viral hepatitis A (AVHA), hepatitis A (HA), non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis and miscellaneous conditions other than hepatic disease, and 19 additional various hepatic disease cases were examined for anti-delta. In clinical situations the accurate diagnosis of HB is not always possible and the differential diagnosis seems to be very important especially in making decisions of treatment and estimation of prognosis. In overall cases the highest positive rate of anti-HBc IgM was found in AVHB as shown as 74.3% (26/35) comparing to other conditions in which the positive rate was extremely low (2.1%). The anti-HBc IgM appeared to be highly specific to AVHB (83.9%) as compared to the other. The positive rate of HBsAg was high in AVHB, CAH and HBsAg carrier (100.0%) followed by CLD, cirrhosis and HB (up to 70.8%). The ALT activities and ALPalb fractions were significantly high in AVHB (p less than 0.005). The correlation between the positivity of anti-HBc IgM and highly abnormal ALT appeared be high. AVHB was confined mostly to 10-20 age group and the male to female ratio was about 6 to 1. Subgroup of AVHB II with positive anti-HBc IgM appeared to have a greater chance being positive for HBsAg and ALPalb. The S/N ratio of anti-HBc IgM was as high as 20 which was unique to AVHB.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Biological Markers ; Child ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Hepatitis/*diagnosis ; Hepatitis Antibodies/*analysis ; Hepatitis B/diagnosis/immunology ; Hepatitis B Antibodies/analysis ; Hepatitis Delta Virus/*immunology ; Humans ; *Immunoenzyme Techniques ; Immunoglobulin M/immunology ; Isoenzymes/immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged

In order to optimize the fabrication of SiO2 tubes immobilized with antibody for hepatitis C virus antigen (HCAg) detection, we formed the activated amino on the surface of SiO2 tubes by using the activation of aminosilane. Then we immobilized the hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoclonal antibody on the surface of SiO2 tubes by using glutaraldehyde as a chemical cross-linker, followed by detecting HCAg. Sequence tests showed that when the SiO2 tubes were treated in 10% (V/V) aminosilane solution and 3% (V/V) glutaraldehyde solution for 3 hours and 2 hours, respectively, the HCV monoclonal antibody had high immobilization efficiency and low nonspecificity, and the HCAg was detected to 1 ng/mL. This experiment can provide principle and experimental data for establishment of HCAg magnetic immunoassay system.
Antibodies, Immobilized ; immunology ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; chemistry ; immunology ; Hepatitis C Antibodies ; chemistry ; immunology ; Hepatitis C Antigens ; analysis ; immunology ; Humans ; Silicon Dioxide ; chemistry

Occult HBV infection is characterized by the absence of serum HBsAg with persistence of low level of intrahepatic HBV DNA. Several suggested mechanisms for the origin of occult HBV infection include strong suppression of viral replication and gene expression, mutation in the regulatory regions of HBV genome, formation of immunoglobulin-bound HBsAg, viral interference, and blockage of HBsAg secretion from infected hepatocytes. Standardized assays are not yet available, and sensitive HBV DNA amplification assay is necessary for the diagnosis of cryptic infection. Detection rate of HBV DNA is highest in IgG anti-HBc positive population. However, neither anti-HBc nor anti-HBs can be detected in a significant proportion of infected persons. Occult HBV infection occurs in a number of clinical settings and is highly prevalent in HCV-infected patients as well as in patients with cryptogenic chronic liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma.
DNA, Viral/analysis ; Hepatitis B/*diagnosis/*epidemiology/metabolism ; Hepatitis B Antibodies/blood ; Hepatitis B Core Antigens/immunology ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/blood ; Humans

BACKGROUND/AIMS: An epidemiologic shift of hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevalence is expected due to an improvement in socioeconomic status in young adults in Korea. We investigated the age-specific seroprevalence and socioeconomic factors associated with HAV seropositivity in young, healthy Korean adults. METHODS: Between March 2009 and February 2010, a total of 5,051 persons from 20 to 49 years of age presenting for a health check-up were included and responded to a questionaire. The seroprevalence of HAV was investigated by measuring immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-HAV. A total of 984 pairs of cases and age- and sex-matched controls were analyzed for associated socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of seropositive HAV was 6.2% in the 20 to 29 age range, 33.1% in the 30 to 39 range and 82.4% in the 40 to 49 range (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in any group according to gender. A multivariate analysis for paired cases indicated that HAV seropositivity was significantly higher in the low monthly income (below five million won, approximately 4,300 dollars) group and the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-positive group (odds ratio [OR], 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-2.14; p<0.001; OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.19-1.76; p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: HAV seropositivity in young adults presenting for a health checkup appears to be decreasing, and the prevalence was significantly higher in the low monthly income group and the H. pylori-positive group.
Adult ; Helicobacter pylori ; Hepatitis ; Hepatitis A ; Hepatitis A Antibodies ; Hepatitis A virus ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Korea ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prevalence ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Social Class ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the worldwide public health problem affecting about 300 million people. The envelope protein of HBV consists of three components known as preS1, preS2, and S antigen. According to the recent study, anti-HBs Ab showed effective neutralization ability against HBV from chronic hepatitis B and liver transplant patients, suggesting the possible development of therapeutic antibody. METHODS: Spleen cells immunized with S antigen of HBV were fused with myeloma cell line to obtain HBsAg specific monoclonal antibodies. High affinity antibodies against HBsAg (adr, ad and ay type) were selected by competitive ELISA method. Nucleotide sequence of the variable regions of monoclonal antibodies was analyzed by RT-PCR followed by conventional sequencing method. RESULTS: We produced 14 murine monoclonal antibodies which recognize S antigen of HBV. Two of them, A9-11 and C6-9 showed the highest affinity. The sequence analysis of A9-11 revealed that variable regions of the heavy chain and light chains are members of mouse heavy chain I (B) and light chain lambda 1, respectively. Likewise, the sequence analysis of C6-9 revealed that variable regions of the heavy chain and light chains are members of mouse heavy chain II (B) and light chain kappa 1, respectively. Neutralization assay showed that A9-11 and C6-9 effectively neutralize the HBV infection. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that A9-11 and C6-9 mouse monoclonal antibodies can be used for the development of therapeutic antibody for HBV infection.
Animals ; Antibodies ; Antibodies, Monoclonal* ; Base Sequence ; Cell Line ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus* ; Hepatitis B* ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; Hepatitis* ; Humans ; Liver ; Mice ; Public Health ; Sequence Analysis ; Spleen

We have done cross sectional and prospective studies to determine the prevalence and the clinical significance of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (Anti-HCV) in 54 hemodialysis (HD) patients and 227 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Fifteen patients (27.8%) were anti-HCV (+) among the HD group, and twelve patients (5.3%) were anti-HCV (+) among the CAPD group. In the HD group, the positivity of anti-HCV correlated with the duration of HD, but there was no significant correlation with the history of transfusion, the amount of transfusion and abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT). At the follow-up study in 164 cases (HD 50 cases, CAPD 114 cases) after 6 months, one of 14 anti-HCV (+) CAPD patients was converted to anti-HCV (-) and two of 35 anti-HCV (-) HD patients were converted to anti-HCV (+). In conclusion, the prevalence of anti-HCV was significantly higher in HD patients compared to CAPD patients, and the positivity for anti-HCV in HD patients correlated with the duration of HD. A regular follow-up of anti-HCV and isolation of anti-HCV (+) HD patients with a separate machine may be needed to prevent the transmission of the hepatitis C virus during hemodialysis.
Adult ; Comparative Study ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Hepacivirus/immunology ; Hepatitis Antibodies/*analysis ; Hepatitis C Antibodies ; Human ; Male ; Middle Age ; *Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory ; Prospective Studies ; *Renal Dialysis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety, immunogenicity and fit dosage of Healive inactivated hepatitis A vaccine (HAV) in children.

METHODSA total of 85 susceptible aged 4 - 10 years with HAV seronegative children, had been enrolled from two adjacent villages in a county. The volunteers were randomized allocated into two groups and to receive a priming dose of 250 U/0.5 ml/dose or 500 U/1.0 ml/dose of Healive vaccine, produced by Sinovac Biotech Co, Ltd. A booster of the same dose was given at 12th month. Local and systemic side effects were examined and seroconversion rate as well as geometric mean titers of anti-HAV antibody were tested at 3-week, 12-month after the primary dose and at 1 month after the booster dose.

RESULTSThe vaccine was well tolerated in both groups. At 21 days after the primary dose, the seroconversion rates were 94.4%, 100.0% and geometric mean titers (GMT) were 195 mIU/ml and 370 mIU/ml in 250 U and 500 U groups respectively. At 12 months after the primary dose, the seroconversion rate of anti-HAV was 100.0%, and GMT raised to 361 mIU/ml, 456 mIU/ml (P > 0.05) respectively. One month after the booster dose, GMT raised to 14 893 mIU/ml, 21 696 mIU/ml.

CONCLUSIONGMT of the 0, 12 month schedule was higher than other schedule after the booster vaccination. The Healive inactivated vaccine can be used for emergency vaccination. The Healive inactivated vaccine produced by Sinovac Company Ltd was safe and highly immunogenic. Two hundred and fifty U/dose was considered appropriate for children.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Hepatitis A ; immunology ; prevention & control ; Hepatitis A Antibodies ; analysis ; Hepatitis A Vaccines ; administration & dosage ; immunology ; Humans ; Vaccines, Inactivated ; administration & dosage ; immunology

PURPOSE: To determine the association of gallbladder (GB) abnormalities on ultrasonography (US) of patients with acute hepatitis A with demographic, clinical, and biochemical factors, and with other US findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board, which waived the requirement for informed consent. We retrospectively evaluated 152 consecutive patients with acute hepatitis A who underwent US. The diagnosis of acute hepatitis A was made during acute illness by demonstrating anti-HAV of the IgM class. US images were reviewed simultaneously by two abdominal radiologists and a consensus was reached for GB wall thickening, GB collapse, lymphadenopathy, and hepatic echogenicity. The associations between demographic, clinical, biochemical, and US findings and GB wall thickening or collapse were then assessed. RESULTS: GB wall thickening was present in 123 (81%) and GB collapse in 96 (63%) of the 152 patients. Total bilirubin level and GB collapse differed significantly (p < 0.05) between patients with and without GB wall thickening. Gender ratio, total and peak total bilirubin level, and GB wall thickness differed significantly (p < 0.05) between patients with and without GB collapse. Multivariate analysis showed that GB wall thickening was associated with GB collapse and vice versa. CONCLUSION: GB wall thickening and GB collapse are common US abnormalities associated with each other in patients with acute hepatitis A. However, GB wall thickening or collapse is not associated with any demographic, clinical, or biochemical factors, or with other US findings, in patients with acute hepatitis A.
Bilirubin ; Consensus ; Ethics Committees, Research ; Gallbladder ; Hepatitis ; Hepatitis A ; Hepatitis A Antibodies ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin M ; Informed Consent ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Multivariate Analysis ; Retrospective Studies

The lack of effective in vitro infection model for hepatitis E virus (HEV) has greatly hindered the quantitative analysis of neutralizing titers of anti-HEV antibodies and human sera, thus impeding further studies of HEV-stimulated antibody responses and the immunological mechanisms. In order to improve this situation, the infection of HepG2 cells that are inefficient for HEV replication was continuously monitored until the viral load reached the limit of detection on day 13, the results of which confirmed the feasibility of using this cell line to establish the infection model. Then, neutralization assays of five anti-HEV murine monoclonal antibodies and serum samples collected from four HEV vaccine recipients (collected before and after vaccination) were performed by 96 multi-channel parallel infections, nucleic acid extraction, and qPCR. The results showed that the cell model can be applied for quantitative evaluation of the neutralizing capacity of different antibodies and antiserum samples from HEV vaccine recipients. In this study, we have successfully established a high-throughput in vitro HEV replication model, which will prove to be useful for the evaluation of HEV vaccines and studies of HEV epitopes.
Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; analysis ; immunology ; Hepatitis Antibodies ; analysis ; immunology ; Hepatitis E ; immunology ; virology ; Hepatitis E virus ; chemistry ; immunology ; physiology ; High-Throughput Screening Assays ; methods ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Neutralization Tests ; methods ; Virus Replication

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; DNA, Viral ; analysis ; Female ; Fluoroimmunoassay ; methods ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; analysis ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; analysis ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; analysis ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged