Hepatitis B virus DNA in saliva, urine, and seminal fluid of carriers of hepatitis B e antigen

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1985 Jun 22;290(6485):1853-5. doi: 10.1136/bmj.290.6485.1853.

Abstract

Concentrated samples of saliva, urine, and seminal fluid from 23 men with chronic liver disease who were positive for hepatitis B e antigen were examined for the presence of hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV-DNA) by molecular hybridisation. HBV-DNA was detected in saliva from 15 of 17 men (88%), urine from 12 of 22 men (55%), and seminal fluid from 13 of 21 men (62%). The presence of hepatitis B virus in such secretions has important epidemiological implications for heterosexual and homosexual contact.

MeSH terms

  • Autoradiography
  • Chronic Disease
  • DNA, Viral / analysis*
  • DNA, Viral / urine
  • Hepatitis B Antigens / analysis*
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens / analysis*
  • Hepatitis B virus*
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / immunology
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / metabolism*
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / urine
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Saliva / analysis
  • Semen / analysis

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Hepatitis B Antigens
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens