The distribution of the subtypes of HBsAg in Ethiopia.

Sera from various population groups in Ethiopia previously positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) have been investigated for their antigenic sub-specificities. Subtype and has been observed as the predominant subtype with 83% prevalence in the study population. The same subdeterminant of the HBsAg has been observed universally as the predominant subtype in blood donors, in patients with acute hepatitis B and in one patient who was an asymptomatic chronic carrier of HBsAg. Subtype ay was observed in three of seven patients with chronic hepatitis B.