Comparison of enzyme immunoassay with radioimmunoassay for the detection of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen as the only marker of hepatitis b infection in a population with a high prevalence of hepatitis B

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Abstract
Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the detection of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) were compared using serum specimens from Alaska Natives screened during a hepatitis B control program that were initially positive by EIA for only anti‐HBc. Of 36 specimens from persons previously HBsAg positive but who were now only anti‐HBc positive by EIA, 94.4% were anti‐HBc positive by both assays, with anti‐HBc levels exceeding 93% inhibition. Low‐level antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs) (70% inhibition the anti‐HBc was a reproducible finding frequently accompanied by either low‐level anti‐HBs or anti‐HBe.