Bacterial, viral and auto antibodies in acute and chronic liver disease

There have been numerous reports of elevated antibody titres to a variety of bacteria and viruses in the sera of patients with acute and chronic liver disease. The results are reviewed in the light of the immunological function of the liver, notably its ability to sequester exogenous antigens and the loss of this property following liver damage. Non-organ specific auto-antibodies are also commonly found in most forms of acute and chronic liver disease, the pattern varying from one disorder to another. A possible hypothesis linking these phenomena is put forward.