Hepatitis B virus DNA in serum from patients with acute hepatitis B

Sera from 77 consecutive patients with acute type B hepatitis were examined for hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) by a spot hybridization method. The median follow‐up time was 8 months (range, 1 week to 3 years). HBV DNA was detected in 26 (34%) patients on admission to the hospital. A significant positive correlation was found between short duration of symptoms and the presence of HBV DNA (p < 0.025). Twenty‐four (46%) of 52 HBeAg‐positive patients were HBV DNA positive compared to 2 HBV DNA‐positive patients of 25 HBeAg‐negative patients (8%) (p < 0.001). Four HBeAg‐negative patients had serum HBV DNA initially or during follow‐up; three had anti‐HBe. Six of 77 patients with acute type B hepatitis (8%) became chronic HBsAg carriers, and HBV DNA was detectable from 5 months to more than 3 years after onset of symptoms. The presence of serum HBV DNA for more than 8 weeks after initial symptoms may predict development of a chronic HBsAg carrier state. In none of the chronic carriers was serum HBV DNA present after clearing of HBeAg.