Services on Demand
Journal
Article
Indicators
- Cited by SciELO
Related links
- Similars in SciELO
Share
Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Publica
Print version ISSN 1726-4634
Abstract
CHUCHON M, Saúl et al. Niveles de linfocitos T en pacientes portadores crónicos del virus de la hepatitis viral B en una zona hiperendémica del Perú. Rev. perú. med. exp. salud publica [online]. 2005, vol.22, n.2, pp.103-108. ISSN 1726-4634.
Objectives: To determine CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocyte counts, as well as CD4+/CD8+ ratio in chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in an hyperendemic area in Peru (Huanta Province, Ayacucho Department). Materials and methods: This is a comparative study comprising three groups, matched with respect to age (¡Ü20 years old or 20 years old), in an approximate 1:1 ratio. 114 persons were included, who were divided in the following groups: 30 chronic carriers (cases), 44 patients with history of infection (non-carriers or controls), and 40 individuals with no previous contact with HBV (healthy persons). After obtaining an informed consent, two blood samples in a 30- to 45-day period were obtained from each participant, in order to characterize groups and to perform the appropriate studies. Tests performed included: ELISA for HBsAg, anticore for anti-HBc IgM and anti HBc IgG, and cell differentiation technique using flow cytometry for measuring T-lymphocyte subpopulations, CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+. Results: Reduced CD4+ lymphocyte counts per cubic milimeter were found in HBsAG chronic carriers (cases), compared to other groups (p= 0.017); while for CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, as well as for CD4+/CD8+ ratio there were no differences between groups. Also, using analysis of variance (ANOVA), differences were found between the two age groups assessed (p= 0,033), but such differences were not found in the other groups. Conclusions: Lower levels of CD4+ lymphocytes/mm 3 in HBV chronic carriers were found, compared to other groups. It is suggested to perform additional studies on cell-mediated immunity in HBV infection, looking to assess specific cell populations that may be used as potential markers of the outcome of the disease.
Keywords : Hepatitis B / immunology; T-Lymphocytes; Peru.