Clinicopathogenetic features of the course of viral hepatitis A

Aim. To study mechanisms enhancing realization of autoimmune disorders in a cute viral hepatitis A at initial stages. Materials and methods. 32 patients with moderate and 4 patients, with sever e VHA (17 females and 19 males, age from 15 to 38 years) verified by findin g serum anti-HAV IgM at enzyme immunoassay (EIA) have undergone examination which included: measurement of beta 2-microglobulin, C5-components of comp lement, circulating immune complexes (CIC), zero lymphocytes; test for anti nuclear antibodies (ANA) and smooth muscle antibodies (SMA). Results, All the patients exhibited high levels of beta2-microglobulin, zer o lymphocytes, CIC, low concentration of C5-components of complement. SMA w ere defected at the height of intoxication in 27 patients, in early convale scence - in 31 patients. ANA were discovered only in one patient. Conclusion. The findings suggest development of autoimmune reactions in acu te VHA patients. These reactions may trigger onset of autoimmune hepatitis.