The detection of alpha-fetoprotein in HBs Ag and HBe Ag carriers.

We detected the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in 100 sera of HBsAg and HBeAg carriers, by radioimmunoassay (RIA). High values of AFP in 12 HBsAg carriers (mean value: 168,5 ng/ml) were found. Lower values were found in 3 HBeAg carriers (mean value: 22,5 ng/ml). We will study the prognostic and diagnostic value of this carcinoembryonic antigen in HBsAg and HBeAg carriers, and will consider the possible role of AFP in the development of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. We believe that the increased AFP levels seen during hepatic parenchymal regeneration may depress immunity in some cases, or alter immunosupervision in others, and this facilitates the development of neoplasia in liver.