HEPATITIS-ASSOCIATED ANTIGEN IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER-DISEASES AND IN RURAL-POPULATION OF IRAN - INCREASED INCIDENCE IN MEN

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 26  (5) , 358-363
Abstract
Using the counter-immunoelectrophoresis technique, presence of HbsAg [hepatitis B surface antigen] was determined in sera of 227 cirrhotics, 132 patients with acute hepatitis and 254 apparently normal villagers and 220 hospital personnel in southern Iran. Findings show a very high frequency of antigenemia frequency in cirrhotics as compared to the apparently normal population. Male predominance of antigenemia was noted in cirrhotics (50% vs. 27%) and normals (2.1% vs. 0.4%) but not in patients with acute hepatitis (42.6% vs. 32.8%). HB antigenemia may be important in the pathogenesis of post-necrotic cirrhosis in Iran. Male predisposition may be important for development of the carrier state in healthy or cirrhotic individuals.

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