RESUMO
[ Objective ] To investigate the relationship between tongue manifestations and immune function in chronic hepatitis B with HBsAg, HBeAg and HBcAb positive. [Methods] Among the cases of HBsAg, HBeAg and HBcAb positive from the out - patient department and health screening survey, 200 chronic hepatitis patients and 100 asymptomatic HBV carriers with glumatic - pyruvic transaminase at normal level were included. Thirty healthy volunteers served as control. Relationship of tongue manifestations with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) skin test and the serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA and IgM was analyzed. [Results] With the development of chronic hepatitis, the immune function became disordered and tongue manifestations abnormal. Reddish tongue with or without yellowish greasy fur or yellowish fur showed the hyperactivity of immune function; whitish swollen tongue with or without whitish greasy fur indicated the hypoactivity of immune function; dull purplish tongue was the sign of disordered immune function. The shape and color of tongue was superior to tongue fur in showing the condition of immune function ( P
