Virus-specific antibodies and interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C

Aim. To study the spectrum of antibodies in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) again st various antigenic structures of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and changes in t heir quantity in response to interferon treatment. Material and methods. Enzyme immunoassays (kits by Diagnostic Systems, N. N ovgorod) were used in examination of 144 CHC patients with circulation of H CV antibodies in peripheral blood. Results. IgG antibodies to cor, NS3, NS4 HCV antigens were present in the h ighest percentage (75-100%) and concentration (2.5-1.9 units). IgM antibodi es to cor HCV, IgM and IgG to HS5 HCV were detected in 36-63%, concentratio n of the antibodies ranged 0.7-1.7 units. Interferon therapy reduced freque ncy and amount of virus-specific antibodies to various antigenic structures of HCV, primarily IgM to cor, NS5-HCV, anti-IgG NS5-HCV. Conclusion. In CHC a wide spectrum of antibodies to HCV antigenic structure s are produced. They have different biological properties. Interferon treat ment diminished their frequency and amount. This allows to consider changes in the amount of virus-specific antibodies in CHC as a criterion of antivi ral treatment effectiveness.