Hepatitis B virus replication in dark reddish patchy markings appearing on the hepatic surface.

We investigated the localization of hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens and HBV DNA in dark reddish patchy markings (DRPM) on the hepatic surface in three patients with chronic active hepatitis B. The number of hepatitis B core antigen-positive hepatocytes in areas of DRPM was less than that in areas not appearing as DRPM. The grain concentration indicating HBV DNA on autoradiography in hepatocytes in areas of DRPM was less than that in areas not appearing as DRPM. These findings suggest that replication of the hepatitis B virus is reduced in pre-nodular lesions which are appearing as DRPM in chronic active hepatitis.