Patterns of immunofluorescence in chronic hepatitis

Abstract

Viral infections are a major health problem worldwide and viral hepatitis is a particular threat in our country. Autoimmunity may be observed in chronic viral hepatitis, in particular in hepatitis C and D,with a lesser extend in hepatitis B. However, the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis is still poorly understood. It is unknown to what extent autoimmune mechanisms contribute to the tissue damage in viral hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis infection has been associated with a panel of auto-antibodies shared with other chronic autoimmmune liver disease, especially with autoimmune. The presence of these autoantibodies in chronic viral hepatitis generates clinical overlaps and dilemmmas in the correct classification and treatment of such patients. Screening of autoantibodies is ussualy perform by indirect immunofluorescence, pattern of immunoflfluorescence is important to categorize autoantibody.