HLA antigens and HBV infection: evaluation in the chronic carrier state and in a large family

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Abstract
HLA antigens were determined in 65 apparently well chronic carriers of HBsAg [hepatitis B surface antigen], in race-matched controls and in 42 members of a family with a high frequency of hepatitis B virus infection. The only apparent significant association in the chronic carriers was negative; no HLA-B7 specificities were found among whites. B7 may confer resistance for whites to chronic infection with hepatitis B. In the family neither active (HBsAg) nor prior (anti-HBs) hepatitis B infection was associated with HLA specificities. HLA antigens in this family failed to provide a clue to the genetics of hepatitis B infection.