Analysis of Immunoglobulin G subclasses in Hepatitis C virus patients: Correlation with disease activity and viraemia

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis C virus antibodies are found in the serum of most patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, the significance of the humoral response is still uncertain. There is no reliable and simple diagnostic marker available to diagnose recent hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection. It has been shown that the avidity of specific IgG antibody is low in primary viral infection and increases with time. In this study, in vitro IgG anti-hepatitis C virus secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with hepatitis C was analyzed. To assess the effect of elicited HCV antigen-specific IgG antibody subclasses on the clinical outcome of HCV infection. The study protocol was approved in Damnhour National Medical Institute, and patients provided written informed consent. Forty-five [45] hepatitis C patients [5ml blood for each pt.] were divided into 3 groups the first HCV Patients with variable degrees of viraemia [low-moderate-high], second HCV patients with end stage complications [cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma] third HCV sero-positive individuals without viraemia or complications; 15 patients [5ml blood for each pt.] were randomized into the normal group [HCV sero-negative could subjects]. Hepatitis C patients with [in vitro] IgG anti-hepatitis C virus secretion had higher AFP and IgG levels in serum than did patients without such secretion in vitro [p<0.002]. Furthermore, there is correlation between IgG antibody secretion levels and activity and degree of HCV patients [p<0.001]. The mean-counts of IgG plasma cells in 3 studied groups hepitits C patient were significantly correlated with activity of disease. Whereas IgG plasma cells resulted more correlated with normal group. IgG plasma cells on hepatitis C can be a valuable parameter for better diagnosis of degree of hepatitis C disease and also for follow up the patients