Aim: To study mechanisms enhancing realization of autoimmune disorders in acute viral hepatitis A at initial stages.
Materials and methods: 32 patients with moderate and 4 patients with severe VHA (17 females and 19 males, age from 15 to 38 years) verified by finding serum anti-HAV IgM at enzyme immunoassay (EIA) have undergone examination which included: measurement of beta 2-microglobulin, C5-components of complement, circulating immune complexes (CIC), zero lymphocytes; test for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and smooth muscle antibodies (SMA).
Results: All the patients exhibited high levels of beta 2-microglobulin, zero lymphocytes, CIC, low concentration of C5-components of complement. SMA were detected at the height of intoxication in 27 patients, in early convalescence--in 31 patients. ANA were discovered only in one patient.
Conclusion: The findings suggest development of autoimmune reactions in acute VHA patients. These reactions may trigger onset of autoimmune hepatitis.