ABSTRACT
Background: The release of CD30 molecule in the soluble form (sCD30) is considered a feature of Th2 activation and proliferation of the cellular phenotype Th2. Aim: To analyze the immunoregulatory role of sCD30 in the evolution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Patients and methods: Three study groups were formed: 15 patients with acute infection by HBV who remitted toward the resolution of the infection; 15 patients who evolved to the carrier state and 15 subjects without clinical history of infection by this or other viruses. The determination of serological markers for the HBV was done by the Microparticles Enzymatic Immunoanalysis techniques (MEIA). The method of double antibody by ELISA was used For sCD30 determination. Results: A significant sCD30 increase (p < 0.05) was observed in patients with acute infection, during the acute phase (135.7 ñ 36.7). These values decreased to 16.2 ñ 2.5 during the convalescent phase. Patients that evolved to the carrier state, did not experience a rise in sCD30 values (40.2 ñ 6.7, 38 ñ 9.2 and 36.1 ñ 8.3 during the acute phase, at 120 and 240 days respectively). The value in the control group was 34.8 ñ 6.7. Conclusions: The group that evolved towards remission experienced a higher activation of the Th2 cellular phenotype, promoting humoral immune response. An inactivity of sCD30 values was observed in the group that evolved to the carrier state
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Hepatitis B , /blood , Hepatitis B Antibodies , Hepatitis B Antigens/blood , Immunoenzyme Techniques/methodsABSTRACT
Background: Yukpa aborigines start early in life their sexual activity and promiscuity with native and foreign individuals is common among women. This behavior allows the installation and propagation of Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Aim: To determine the presence of antibodies to HSV-2 in a Yukpa Amerindian community at Zulia State, Venezuela. Subjects and methods : We studied 96 natives, between 13 and 49 years old (62.3 percent of the whole population, 100 percent of individuals in fertile age). Control population consisted of 76 individuals, with similar sex and age range distribution, of the urban population from Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela. HSV-2 serologic status was determined by an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Results: Antibodies to HSV-2 were detected in 53.1 percent of Yukpa population and 21.1percent of urban population. Aboriginal women aged 21 to 40 years old had a prevalence of antibodies against HSV-2 of 66.7 percent. Among pregnant native women, the prevalence of antibodies against HSV-2 was 54.6 percent. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of antibodies against HSV-2 among Yukpa natives in Venezuela