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Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis C virus infection
M Lenzi1, G Ballardini, M Fusconi
1Istituto di Clinica Medica Generale e Terapia Medica, University of Bologna, Italy.
Lancet (London, England)
|February 3, 1990
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in patients with autoimmune hepatitis type 2, indicated by liver-kidney microsomal antibody (anti-LKM1). This suggests HCV may trigger autoimmune responses.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Autoimmune hepatitis type 2 is characterized by liver-kidney microsomal antibody (anti-LKM1).
- The co-occurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and autoimmune hepatitis type 2 requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HCV antibodies in patients with anti-LKM1 antibodies.
- To explore the potential relationship between HCV infection and the development of anti-LKM1 antibodies.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum antibodies to HCV.
- The study included 46 patients who were seropositive for anti-LKM1.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was found in patients with anti-LKM1.
- Specifically, 78.2% of all patients and 86.1% of those with chronic hepatitis showed anti-HCV antibodies.
- HCV infection was detected in patients with and without clinical evidence of liver damage.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C virus infection is highly prevalent in individuals with autoimmune hepatitis type 2.
- HCV infection might alter liver antigens, potentially triggering an autoimmune response and the production of anti-LKM1 antibodies.