Abstract: The invention concerns an isolated mHBV having the following characteristics: (i) a genome with partly double-strand circular DNA, (ii) the genome including the Pre-S, S, C, P and X genes, (iii) the Pre-S genes coding for surface antigens, the S gene coding for a HBsAg envelope protein, the C gene coding for a HBeAg protein and aHBcAg protein, the P gene coding for a DNA reverse polymerase/transcriptase enzyme and the X gene coding for a HBxAg protein. The invention is characterised in that the gene S comprises a DNA nucleotide sequence referenced SEQ ID NO 1 and the Pre-S gene comprises a nucleotide sequence referenced SED ID NO 3. The invention also concerns DNA molecule, RNA molecule, modified surface proteins and their uses in particular for diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccine purposes.

Abstract: A new vaccine against viral NANB hepatitis containing NANBs antigen in a physiologically acceptable medium. The vaccine is prepared by selecting serums or plasmas in which the presence of NANBs antigens has been identified and thereafter purifying the said antigens. Antibodies are also set forth.

Abstract: A vaccine against viral hepatitis comprising:A. antigenic particles having a particle size in the range of 30 to 50 nanometers, said antigenic particles containing hepatitis B surface antigens;B. said antigen having less than 10 units of free antibody to hepatitis B surface antigens per 1,000 units of hepatitis B surface antigens;C. at least 5% of the particles of said vaccine in the size range of 30 to 50 nanometers containing the hepatitis B surface antigenic specificity(s) which have been termed "e-antigen";D. said hepatitis B surface antigens, including e-antigens, being present in said vaccine in an amount sufficient to produce antibodies when introduced into a host animal, the balance being a medium which is physiologically acceptable, especially to humans and primates.

Abstract: A process for preparing a vaccine containing unprecipitated filaments and hepatitis B Dane particle specific antigens by removal from a blood serum of other proteinaceous matter such that the serum contains less than 10% proteinaceous matter other than that associated with hepatitis B surface antigen or the filament or Dane particle specific antigen. Any virus present is inactivated, and the antigenous mass is diluted with a physiologically acceptable medium.

Abstract: A vaccine against viral heptitis comprising:A. antigenic particles having a particle size in the range of 30 to 50 nanometers, said antigenic particles containing heptitis B surface antigens;B. said antigen having less than 10 units of free antibody to heptitis B surface antigens per 1,000 units of hepatitis B surface antigens;C. at least 5% of the particles of said vaccine in the size range of 30 to 50 nanometers containing the hepatitis B surface antigenic specificity(s) which have been termed "e-antigen";D. said heptatis B surface antigens, including e-antigens, being present in said vaccine in an amount sufficient to produce antibodies when introduced into a host animal, the balance being a medium which is physiologically acceptable, especially to humans and primates.