RESUMO
The early diagnosis of hepatitis in patients is sometimes difficult and despite adequate studies may remain undetected. To carry out this point, 4 selected groups of patients were investigated. Group 1 included patients with chronic liver cirrhosis due to schistosomiasis with a positive ELISA and PCR tests for HCV and showed a very high level of iron and ferritin as compared with the control group. Group 2 consisted of patients with chronic liver cirrhosis due to schistosomiasis with negative ELISA for either HBV or HCV antibodies and revealed a significant increase in copper and decrease in zinc as compared with the control group. Group 3 composed of patients with HCV infection, confirmed by antibody detection through third generation ELISA, RIBA III. Patients in this group showed a significant increase in the iron and ferritin level compared with the control group. Moreover, group 4 encompassed patients with HBV infection showed a positive ELISA for antibody detection [HBsAb] and immunochromatographic reaction for detection of surface antigen [HBsAg]. The results suggested that reduced level of Zn ++ and increased level Cu ++ might be a reflection of the incidence of HBV more than HCV infection, while a high level of iron and ferritin are potential biomarkers for schistosomiasis patients with early HCV infection