| Abstract | BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection has been shown to lead to auto-immune phenomena. AIMS: We review the prevalence of serological auto-immune disorders associated to HCV infection and to clarify their clinical significance. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: The serological immune response to HCV infection may include the development of cryoglobulinemia, rheumatoid factor, anticardiolipin, antinuclear, anti-liver-kidney-microsome 1 and anti-smooth muscle antibodies. Serological auto-immune manifestations were explained by the lymphotropism of HCV and the polyclonal activation of B cells. Interferon-based treatment of HCV infection may precipitate or exacerbate the associated auto-immune disease. CONCLUSION: In patients with serological auto-immune disorders associated with HCV infection, a very careful analysis of clinical and biological features is needed. Application of classification criteria of systemic auto-immune diseases and testing more specific antibodies can resolve this point. |
| Authors | Leila Mouelhi, Radhouane Debbeche, Imene Sfar, Mohamed Salem, Slim Bouzaidi, Sinda Trabelsi, Yosr Gorgi, Taoufik Najjar
(Affiliation: Service de Gastro-entérologie, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Tunis.)
|
| Journal | La Tunisie médicale
(Tunis Med)
Vol. 86
Issue 9
Pg. 777-81
(Sep 2008)
ISSN: 0041-4131 [Print] Tunisia |
| Vernacular Title | Anomalies serologiques auto-immunes au cours de l'hepatite chronique virale C: prevalence et signification clinique. |
| PMID | 19472775
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)
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| Chemical References |
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| Topics |
- Autoantibodies
(blood)
- Autoimmune Diseases
(blood, epidemiology, etiology)
- Hematologic Diseases
(blood, epidemiology, etiology, immunology)
- Hepatitis C, Chronic
(complications)
- Humans
- Prevalence
|
