Immunoradiometric assay for qualitative determination of Hepatitis B virus “e” antigen (HBeAg) and /or antibody (Anti-HBe) in human serum or plasma
In 1965, Dr. Blumberg who was studying hemophilia, found an antibody in two patients which reacted against an antigen from an Australian Aborigine. Later the antigen was found in patients with serum type hepatitis and was initially designated "Australian Antigen". Subsequent study has shown the Australian Antigen to be the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg, HBs Antigen). Initially there appeared to be three particles associated with hepatitis B infection: a large "complete" particle called the "Dane particle", a small circular 22 nm particle and an oblong 42 nm particle. Further research identified the Dane particle as the hepatitis B virion and the other two particles as excess surface protein. This former terminology is no longer used and the virus is referred to according to its structure.
The RIAKEY HBeAg/Ab IRMA Tube is an radioimmuno assay (IRMA). Two different Anti-HBe monoclonal antibodies are used, one coated on the tube and the other labeled with 125I. In the HBeAg assay, the sample is incubated in the monoclonal (anti- HBe) antibody coated tubes, in addition to tracer. All unbound material is removed by aspiration and washing after each incubation, the radioactivity left in the tubes will thus be directly proportional to the HBeAg concentration and is measured by a gamma counter. In the anti-HBe assay, a ‘competition’ immunoradiometric principle in solid phase is used, The sample is incubated in the monoclonal (anti-HBe) antibody coated tubes, with a neutralizing solution (DNA recombinant HBeAg), in addition to a different 125I-labeled monoclonal antibody, After incubation and washing, the radioactivity left in the tubes will thus be inversely proportional to the sample anti-HBe concentration and is measured by a gamma counter.