Abstract: Method of treating retrovirus infection by administering extract of Phyllanthus niruri.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation comprising the methanol extractable components of Phyllanthus niruri L. is administered to patients suffering from hepatitis B virus infection in an amount effective for inhibiting the growth of said virus.

Abstract: A test reagent reagent for HB.sub.s A.sub.g is prepared by applying to a suitable substrate, such as a polystyrene bead, a first coat of purified HB.sub.s A.sub.g to an extent which will permit complete coverage by anti-HB.sub.s. After washing HB.sub.s A.sub.g coated substrate, serum containing anti-HB.sub.s, or an IgG fraction of serum containing anti-HB.sub.s, is applied as a second coat as a second coat in an amount which substantially completely occupies the reacting sites of the HB.sub.s A.sub.g on the outside of the substrate and leaves an excess of antibody reacting groups in a free state, and any unattached material is washed off.A test sample which is to be tested for HB.sub.s A.sub.g is then contacted with the reagent thus produced, permitting attachment of HB.sub.s A.sub.g if present, and washing is done.Then a source of anti-HB.sub.s, such as an IgG fraction containing anti-HB.sub.