[Immunofluorescence aspects of chronic hepatitis in children]

Liver biopsies from patients (mostly children) affected by chronic hepatitis (persistent or active, HBsAg positive or negative forms), part of them treated by immunosuppressive therapy, have been studied by means of immunofluorescence techniques. A cytoplasmic localization of HBsAg and a nuclear localization of HBcAg have been demonstrated. Moreover, a nuclear localization of immunocomplexes was demonstrated, as well as the presence of immunoglobulins. Persistent forms showed a lesser fluorescence than active forms, and so did the treated patients, if compared with recent, not yet treated subjects.