Detection of Hepatitis B Viral DNA in Sera Positive for Antibody to Delta Antigen

Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was detected in 17 sera positive for antibody to δ antigen (anti-δ). Six sera from two patients were positive for HBV DNA. Analysis by the Southern blot technique showed identity between HBV DNA in anti-δ-positive and anti-δ-negative sera. These results show that anti-δ-positive sera contain HBV DNA, although these sera were also positive for antibodies to hepatitis B e antigen.