The distribution of surface antigen (HBsAg) components can distinguish between inactive carriers and active forms of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections

Introduction: Different stages of HBV infections are associated with serum levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg, however, the distinction between active and inactive forms of HBV infections is difficult in many patients. The HBsAg itself consists of the components large (L-), middle (M-) and small (S-) HBsAg. The aim of our study was to investigate the composition of HBsAg during different stages of HBV infections. Methods: Total HBsAg and HBsAg components were quantified in serum samples of 150 patients (110 male, mean age 46.2 ± 15.4 (17 – 77) years) not receiving antiviral treatment including 41 inactive HBsAg-carrier…