Biomaterial Database

Hepatitis B virus infection: detection of circulating HBsAg/IgM antibody immune complexes. 1990

P Surelia, and E H Boxall

Regional Virus Laboratory, East Birmingham Hospital, England, UK.

Circulating hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) IgM antibody complexes have been described in patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). A radioimmunoassay to test for these complexes was developed and compared with a commercial kit. Complexes were demonstrated in both test systems. HBsAg/IgM antibody complexes were present initially in patients with acute HBV infection but disappeared within an average of 6 weeks after onset. In HBV carriers immune complexes persisted over a long time. This test is of value in providing additional information about the outcome of HBV infections and sequential testing for HBsAg/IgM is of prognostic value for clinicians.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007075	Immunoglobulin M	A class of immunoglobulin bearing mu chains (IMMUNOGLOBULIN MU-CHAINS). IgM can fix COMPLEMENT. The name comes from its high molecular weight and originally was called a macroglobulin.	Gamma Globulin, 19S,IgM,IgM Antibody,IgM1,IgM2,19S Gamma Globulin,Antibody, IgM
D011863	Radioimmunoassay	Classic quantitative assay for detection of antigen-antibody reactions using a radioactively labeled substance (radioligand) either directly or indirectly to measure the binding of the unlabeled substance to a specific antibody or other receptor system. Non-immunogenic substances (e.g., haptens) can be measured if coupled to larger carrier proteins (e.g., bovine gamma-globulin or human serum albumin) capable of inducing antibody formation.	Radioimmunoassays
D006509	Hepatitis B	INFLAMMATION of the LIVER in humans caused by a member of the ORTHOHEPADNAVIRUS genus, HEPATITIS B VIRUS. It is primarily transmitted by parenteral exposure, such as transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products, but can also be transmitted via sexual or intimate personal contact.	Hepatitis B Virus Infection
D006514	Hepatitis B Surface Antigens	Those hepatitis B antigens found on the surface of the Dane particle and on the 20 nm spherical and tubular particles. Several subspecificities of the surface antigen are known. These were formerly called the Australia antigen.	Australia Antigen,HBsAg,Hepatitis B Surface Antigen,Antigen, Australia
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000936	Antigen-Antibody Complex	The complex formed by the binding of antigen and antibody molecules. The deposition of large antigen-antibody complexes leading to tissue damage causes IMMUNE COMPLEX DISEASES.	Immune Complex,Antigen-Antibody Complexes,Immune Complexes,Antigen Antibody Complex,Antigen Antibody Complexes,Complex, Antigen-Antibody,Complex, Immune,Complexes, Antigen-Antibody,Complexes, Immune