Reliability of some biochemical parameters as prognostic factors for hepatitis in schistosomiasis patients

ABSTRACT

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