[Antigens and antibodies in acute viral hepatitis caused by the B virus. Clinical significance].
Three antigen-antibody systems are so far known to be related to viral hepatitis type B. Tests for evidencing HBsAg and antiHBs are easily performed and important for the diagnosis, prevention and study of hepatitis B. The tests for evidencing HBcAg and HBc are still the subject of study and research. The presence of HBsAg in a subject shows he is hosting hepatitis B virus. It may also be present without hepatopathy or it may be associated with acute or chronic hepatitis B. At the present time there is no feasible way of eliminating the chronic carrier condition. The problem represented by healthy carriers as infection risks is currently under study.