Virus-like particles associated with a faecal antigen from hepatitis patients and with Australia antigen.

Abstract

SummaryTwo virus‐like particles, one 15–25 nm. and the other 40–45 nm., have been demonstrated in materials containing a faecal antigen from hepatitis patients. These particles are morphologically similar to, but serologically distinct from, those which have been found in sera containing Australia antigen. The findings presented in this paper provide suggestive evidence that the small particles contain a type‐specific antigen and the large particles contain both type‐specific and group‐specific antigens.