The changing subtypes of hepatitis B surface antigen in Hungary and the lack of correlation with severity and chronicity of the disease.

Two hundred and twenty sera from asymptomatic carriers and 129 sera from acute hepatitis patients were subtyped. Subtype adw was found in a significantly higher percentage of asymptomatic carriers. The indices of disease severity and chronicity were compared in adw and ayw cases.

Distribution of ad and ay subtypes of hepatitis B surface antigen among hepatitis patients and symptomless carriers in Hungary.

A total of 176 HBsAg positive sera from acute and chronic hepatitis patients and symptomless carriers (blood donors) in Hungary were subtyped for ad and ay determinants. The distribution of ad and ay determinants in Hungary was found to be about the same. There were no significant differences among the groups tested.