IMMUNE COMPLEXES STUDY IN SOME CHRONIC VIRAL LIVER DISEASES

Abstract

Virus hepatitis is a common and serious disease caused by several viral agents and marked by necrosis, fatty changes and lymphocytic infiltration of the portal zone.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a highly prevalent virus worldwide. It is responsible for most sporadic and post-transfusion of non-A, non-B hepatitis infections. Contamination occurs by parenteral route. The acute phase is unnoticed in 95% of cases. The symptoms are vague including anorexia and fatigue but jaundice is detected only in 5% of cases. The virus becomes chronic in 70% of cases. The risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma can attain 50% ten years later. Cirrhosis occurs after 10- 20 years of infection.

HCV may be associated with extrahepatic manifestations. cryoglobulinaemia has been found to be associated with chronic HCV infection. Systemic vasculitis, peripheral neuropathy and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis may occur in association with HCV-related cryoglobulinaemia Prevention of HCV enfection is done by systemic screening for HCV antibodies in all blood donors, the use of clean and, if possible disposable