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Australia antigen
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Australia antigen

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Quick Summary

The "Australia antigen" is a term that was used to refer to the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). This antigen was discovered in the blood serum of an Australian Aboriginal person by Baruch S. Blumberg in 1963. Blumberg's research into this antigen led to the development of a vaccine against hepatitis B, a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The discovery was crucial for screening blood donors and preventing the transmission of the virus. Hepatitis B is a significant global health concern, with millions infected and many developing chronic liver disease, liver failure, or liver cancer.12

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. Australia - Later explorations
  2. hepatitis B
  3. Baruch S. Blumberg
  4. Australia

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