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New Specificities in Australia Antigen Positive Sera Distinct from the Le Bouvier Determinants
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1972
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HistocompatibilityHumoral ResponseImmunologyImmunodominancePathologyAntigen ProcessingAu Antigen ComplexE SpecificityNew SpecificitiesLe Bouvier DeterminantsSerologic TestingAutoantibodiesAutoimmune DiseaseHuman Leukocyte AntigenAu AntigenAutoimmunityHumoral ImmunityImmunologic DiseaseAntibody ScreeningVaccinationPathogenesisHepatitisMedicineAutoimmune Hepatitis
New antigenic specificities, designated e, have been identified in Australia antigen‑positive sera that coexist with the Au antigen but differ from the known a, d, y, and x determinants described by Le Bouvier. These specificities were detected in 18 of 23 persistent Au carriers and 6 of 43 Au‑positive hepatitis patients, were absent in 17 Au‑positive blood donors yet antibodies were present in 13 of those donors (including 5 with anti‑e), suggesting a possible link to contagiousness.
Abstract Evidence for new antigenic specificities in Australia antigen positive sera, for one of which we have proposed the designation e, has been obtained in immunodiffusion tests according to Ouchterlony. These specificities co-occur with Au antigen and are distinct from the a, d, y and x determinants of the Au antigen complex according to Le Bouvier and occur on particles other than those carrying the a determinant. It was found in 18 out of 23 persistent carriers of Au antigen from hemodialysis units, in 6 out of 43 Au positive hepatitis cases but in none of 17 Au antigen-carrying blood donors. In the latter group, however, antibodies against the specificities described herein occurred in 13 out of 17 individuals. In five of these cases the antibody was directed against the e specificity. Some evidence is presented for the possible association of this antigen complex to contagiousness.