[Effects of lysozyme treatment on immune reactions in viral hepatitis. Preliminary report]

The effect of orally administered Lysozyme (2 g per diem for 6-15 days) on serum immunoglobulins, C3 complement component, its C3A properdine activator and intestinal flora was studied in 45 subjects with acute viral hepatitis. Comparison of the data before and after treatment revealed a significant decrease in IgA, IgM and C3A and an equally significant increase in C3. Coproculture tests revealed important changes in many case in which one or more pathogenetic species (Enterobacter, Proteus, Citrobacter) had completely disappeared. The mechanisms used by Lysozyme in the modulation of immunological responses during viral hepatitis are discussed. These include reduction of the enteric antigen stimulus by inhibiting the growth of bacterial flora, the blocking of anti-complement factors and the modification of antibody response.