HBsAg variants: diagnostic-escape and diagnostic dilemma.

Authors :: Alavian SM
Carman WF
Jazayeri SM
Source :: Journal of clinical virology : the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology [J Clin Virol] 2013 Jul; Vol. 57 (3), pp. 201-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Jul 11.
Publication Year :: 2013
Abstract: A wide variety of commercial assays is available for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Clearly, the sensitivity of an assay to detect a variant is dependent on the anti-HBs usage. Thus, it is not surprising that there are examples of variants that cannot be detected by all assays. Data from Europe, Asia and Africa about HBsAg variants which are not recognized by either monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies specific for wild-type group 'a' determinant, but positive by DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in chronic patients and from vaccinated children are increasing. This would impose a challenge for public health issues of hepatitis B virus. In this review we tried to summarize the discrepancies between results of HBsAg assays and to explain some rationales for these inconsistencies.<br /> (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Subjects :: Africa
Asia
Europe
Humans
Immunoassay methods
Sensitivity and Specificity
Clinical Laboratory Techniques methods
Diagnostic Errors
Genetic Variation
Hepatitis B diagnosis
Hepatitis B virology
Hepatitis B Antibodies
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens blood

Language :: English
ISSN :: 1873-5967
Volume :: 57
Issue :: 3
Database :: MEDLINE
Journal :: Journal of clinical virology : the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology
Publication Type :: Academic Journal
Accession number :: 22789139
Full Text :: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcv.2012.04.027