Pre S1 antigen in different forms of hepatitis B virus infection Antígeno Pre S1 en diferentes formas de infección con el virus de la hepatitis B.

Abstract

Pre S1 antigen was measured using an ELISA technique in patients with different forms of hepatitis B virus infection. It was detected in 10 of 19 patients with acute hepatitis B (53%), 12 of 15 chronic hepatitis B virus carriers (80%), 9 of 11 patients with chronic hepatitis B (82%) and 3 of 4 patients with hepatoma and positive markers of hepatitis B virus infection. Pre S1 remained positive beyond 150 days in two patients with acute hepatitis that evolved to chronicity. Among subjects with chronic hepatitis B that received interferon, pre S1 antigen negativized only in the patient that had a complete response. Pre S1 detection is an index of hepatitis B virus replication and its persistence determines chronicity. Its negativization after antiviral therapy should have a predictive value.