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Serological diagnosis of chronic viral hepatitis
C Antipa1, A Spânache, M Constantinescu
1Stephan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.
Insights
Serological diagnosis is crucial for identifying the cause of chronic viral hepatitis. This study found Hepatitis C virus (HCV) etiology more frequently in chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis cases.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Distinguishing chronic viral hepatitis from other liver disorders is challenging due to non-specific clinical and biochemical findings.
- Evaluating infectivity is critical for patient management and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the viral etiology of chronic hepatitis using serological markers.
- To assess the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in chronic liver disease.
- To investigate the potential role of HCV in the clearance of HBV.
Main Methods:
- Serological diagnosis was performed on 172 patients with chronic hepatitis disorders.
- Tests included screening for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and anti-HCV antibodies.
Main Results:
- A viral etiology was confirmed in 69.7% of patients.
- HBsAg was detected in 33.7% (with HBeAg in 5%), anti-HCV antibodies in 22.6%, and markers for both viruses in 13.4%.
- HCV was the more frequent cause of chronic hepatitis (44.9%) and liver cirrhosis (50.7%).
- Few patients showed co-occurrence of anti-HBs and anti-HCV antibodies, not supporting HCV's role in enhancing HBsAg clearance.
Conclusions:
- Serological testing is essential for diagnosing the cause of chronic liver disease.
- Hepatitis C virus is a significant cause of chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.
- Current data do not support the hypothesis that HCV enhances HBsAg clearance in chronic hepatitis patients.
Abstract:
Chronic viral hepatitis must be distinguished from other chronic liver disorders. The clinical picture associated with typical biochemical findings provides no definite information about the causative agent. An important factor, both for the patient and for the individuals in contact with him, is the evaluation of his infectivity. From 172 chronic hepatitis disorders the serological diagnosis confirmed the viral etiology in 120 patients (69.7%). HBsAg was present in 33.7% (with HBeAg in 5%), anti-HCV antibodies 22.6% and markers for both viruses in 13.4% of cases. The HCV etiology was more frequently found in chronic hepatitis (44.9%) in liver cirrhosis (50.7%). The smaller number of patients displaying simultaneously anti-HBs and anti HCV antibodies did not confirm the recent suggestions that HCV would be the most important hepatotropic virus which enhances HBsAg clearance in chronic hepatitis.