[The pathogenetic significance of disorders in macrophage function in viral hepatitis B and delta in children].

Abstract

Overall 180 children aged 3 months to 12 years with acute and chronic hepatitis B and delta were examined for macrophagal function. Chemotaxis, saturation with esterase, the content of nuclear RNA were estimated, antigens of HB virus in these cells were identified as well. The data obtained attest to the correlation between the degree of macrophagal function disorders and the gravity of acute virus hepatitis. The chronic disease is characterized by stable depression of mononuclear cells with a tendency toward deeper depression of their function in patients with virus hepatitis delta as well as a higher rate of HBsAg and HBeAg demonstration in these cells. The authors provide evidence for advisability of the use of BCG vaccine and tactivin in patients with the chronic disease, since they improve macrophagal function, promote the inhibition of HB-virus replication and the onset of a stable remission in patients with chronic hepatitis B and delta.