Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Human Tears

Background: To verify the accuracy of applanation tonometry through disposable latex caps used to prevent transmission of infectious diseases. Methods: Tonometry was performed in 80 patients. Each patient underwent two intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements with and without the latex. In group A patients tonometry was performed first without the cap; in group B tonometry was performed first with the cap. Each group was also divided into patients with IOP, ≥20 mm Hg (A1; B1) and patients with IOP <20 mm Hg (A2; B2). Results: The mean difference of tonometry readings was equal to –0.36 ± 1.62 mm Hg in group A, –0.03 ± 1.77 mm Hg in group A1, –0.61 ± 1.45 mm Hg in group A2, 0.23 ± 1.44 in group B, 0.64 ± 1.41 mm Hg in group B1, 0.05 ± 1.42 in group B2. A statistically significant correlation was found in group A, in group A2, B, B1 and B2; a less significant correlation was found in group A1. Conclusions: The use of the latex caps does not alter the reliability of tonometry readings as long as the cap is applied tightly. Measurement variation in our study is comparable to published data on applanation tonometry.

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 39%

Reliability of Applanation Tonometry Readings Obtained with a Disposable Latex Cap

Lotti¹,

Frau²,

Cerruti³

et al. 1999

“…Therefore, it is very important to know the presence of HBV before handling these fluids. The incidence of HBsAg in tear fluid has been reported to be between 40 and 50% in hepatitis B carriers [10, 11]. HBsAg, which is a component of the HBV envelope, may also be found in serum and various secretions without infectious particles, therefore the significance of its detection in tears is arguable.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 44%

Failure to Detect Hepatitis B Virus in Vitreous by Polymerase Chain Reaction

Aras

Özdamar²,

Erǧin³

et al. 2005

Purpose: To assay the vitreous of asymptomatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers for the presence of HBV DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: Vitreous and serum specimens were collected from 13 carriers of HBV. The presence of HBV DNA was investigated by using PCR and Digene’s Hybrid Capture System. The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in vitreous was also investigated by using the enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Results: The serum was positive for HBV DNA in3 of the 13 asymptomatic carriers using PCR. Vitreous samples of all the patients, including 3 patients who were positive for HBV DNA in serum, were negative for HBV DNA with PCR and were negative for HBsAg with EIA. Conclusion: There is no evidence of HBV in the vitreous of asymptomatic HBV carriers.

“…The most important source for the spread ing of hepatitis B virus infection is blood and blood products [1]. Hepatitis B surface anti gen (HBsAg) has been detected in blood, oral secretions, synovial fluid, urine, bile, cere brospinal fluid, pleural and peritoneal fluids, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, tears and subretinal fluids [2].…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 47%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 42%

“…HBsAg has been shown in many body secretions [1,2], In the spreading of the infection mucous mem branes play an important part. Tonometers and contact lenses may cause infection via the conjunctival mucous membranes [1,4]. Endo scopic examinations via the gastrointestinal mucous membrane [5] and homosexuality via the intestinal mucous membrane [6] cause the infection.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 42%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Tears and Aqueous Humor

Köksal

Çetinkaya²,

Aker³

1992

Tear samples of 20 patients who were determined to have positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) after an acute hepatitis B infection and aqueous humor samples of 10 patients who were HBsAg carriers were tested for HBsAg, and the results obtained for serum and these fluids were compared. In 85% of the 20 patients who were HBsAg positive, HBsAg was found to be positive in tear samples. In 50% of the other 10 patients in aqueous humor was also found to be HBsAg positive. Our findings show that tears and aqueous humor are important in the spreading of hepatitis B infections.