Infectivity markers in HBsAg chronic carriers and intrafamilial spread of hepatitis B virus infection.

Sera from 28 HBsAg chronic carriers were tested for the presence of HBeAg, anti-HBe and Dane particle-associated DNA-polymerase activity, in order to evaluate the relationship between the presence of these markers and the spread of HBV infection in their family contacts. A highly significant prevalence of HBV infection was observed in the relatives of HBsAg carriers who were positive for either HBeAg or DNA-polymerase activity or both. These observations support the inference of a striking correlation between the presence of these markers and the infectivity of HBsAg carriers. Therefore, serological determination of HBeAg and DNA-polymerase activity may be considered in the epidemiological control of HBV infection