Antigenic Cross-reactions between Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus and Human Hepatitis B Virus Shown by Immune Electron Microscopy

1 Virus Unit, U.C.T. Medical School, Observatory, Cape Province, South Africa 7925 and 2 INSERM, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France Using immune electron microscopy (IEM), low-level cross-reactions could be demonstrated between the surface antigens of hepatitis B and woodchuck hepatitis. However, immune complex formation was greatly enhanced by pre-exposure of the antigens to 0.5% deoxycholate. Cross-reaction between the core antigens and e antigens of both viruses was also confirmed by IEM as well as radioimmunassay. It appears that the woodchuck sera used in this study may well contain an anti-immunoglobulin akin to rheumatoid factor. Keywords: WHV, hepatitis B virus, immune electron microscopy Received 11 August 1982; accepted 8 November 1982.