A virus similar to human hepatitis B virus in Manchurian chipmunks.

In searching for a new host of the hepadna virus, we found a virus with many of the unique properties of the human hepatitis B virus (HBV) in sera from Manchurian chipmunks inhabiting Korea. Of 192 tested animals, 8 chipmunks were found to have weak HBsAg reactivities and particles similar in size and shape to the particles assoicated with HBV infection. The HBsAg-reactive particles contained DNA of similar size to that of HBV and a DNA polymerase activity which appeared to repair a single-stranded region of the DNA molecule. Histologic examination of liver tissues from chipmunks containing the viral particles in sera showed no evidence of liver disease. Experimental infection of chipmunk by inoculation of HBsAg-reactive chipmunks sera led to frequent occurence of acute and chronic hepatitis without antigenemia of HBsAg.