HLA TYPING IN CHRONIC TYPE-B, TYPE-D AND TYPE-C HEPATITIS

Aims: We aimed to test the hypothesis that susceptibility to chronic H BV, HDV or E-ICV infections or their pathology is influenced by host g enetic factors. Methods: The Human Leukocyte Antigens (BLA) (A, B, DR and DQ) were determined by microlymphocytotoxicity assay in patients w ith chronic C (n=117), B (n=97) or D (n=27) hepatitis and their freque ncies were compared with those of 489 healthy controls. Results: No st atistically significant association was found between any HLA antigen and chronic B or D hepatitis. A significantly higher frequency of HLA- B14 was observed in patients with chronic persistent or active C hepat itis (16.7% of 90 versus 5.9% of 489, chi(2)=10.9, pc<0.05, Relative R isk=3.17, Etiological Fraction=0.11). The frequency of HLA-DR5 was low er in HCV positive patients (24.8%) than in controls (45%, chi(2)=15.1 , pc<0.005, RR=0.4, EF=-0.37). Conclusions: No correlation could be ob served between clearance of HBV or HDV and HLA phenotype. Immunogeneti c factors may have a role in determining susceptibility to chronic HCV hepatitis, and in Italian patients HLA-DRS is a protective factor.