Extrahepatic immunologic manifestations in chronic hepatitis C and hepatitis C virus serotypes

Ann Intern Med. 1995 Feb 1;122(3):169-73. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-122-3-199502010-00002.

Abstract

Objective: To determine, using a serotyping assay, whether the occurrence of extrahepatic immunologic disorders in patients with chronic hepatitis C is dependent on hepatitis C virus serotype.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Liver unit and virology laboratory of a university hospital.

Patients: 59 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Measurements: Hepatitis C virus serotype was determined using a recently developed immunoenzymatic assay that detects antibodies directed to serotype-specific immunodominant epitopes. Cryoglobulin, rheumatoid factor, and numerous antitissue antibodies were sought. Biopsies of labial salivary glands were done in 49 of the 59 patients.

Results: Prevalence was 59% for serotype 1, 10% for serotype 2, 12% for serotype 3, and 3% for mixed infection. Fifteen percent of patients could not be serotyped. Cryoglobulinemia was found in 36% of patients and rheumatoid factor was found in the serum of 71%. At least one antitissue antibody was found in the serum of 41% of patients; salivary gland biopsy showed lymphocytic capillaritis in 49% of patients. These immunologic abnormalities were seen in patients infected with any of the three serotypes, and prevalences of the abnormalities did not differ significantly among patients infected with different serotypes.

Conclusions: We confirm that the prevalence of extrahepatic immunologic abnormalities is high in patients with chronic hepatitis C. These abnormalities may occur in patients infected with any of the three major hepatitis C virus serotypes now present in developed countries.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Autoantibodies / analysis
  • Biopsy
  • Cryoglobulinemia / etiology
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Hepacivirus / classification
  • Hepacivirus / genetics*
  • Hepatitis C / genetics
  • Hepatitis C / immunology*
  • Hepatitis C / pathology
  • Hepatitis, Chronic / genetics
  • Hepatitis, Chronic / immunology*
  • Hepatitis, Chronic / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Rheumatoid Factor / blood
  • Salivary Glands / pathology
  • Serotyping

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Rheumatoid Factor