[Interferon system status in hemodialysis patients infected with hepatitis B and C viruses].

The production of alpha- and gamma-interferon (IFN) by peripheral blood cells in vitro and the concentration of serum IFN were studied in patients treated by hemodialysis at the Pelgulinna Tallinn Hospital and compared to controls. Out of 108 patients on hemodialysis, 19.4% were infected with hepatitis B (HBV), and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) were detected in 7.

[Functional status of the interferon system in inapparent and clinical infection with hepatitis B and C viruses].

In vitro production of alpha- and gamma-interferon (IF) by peripheral blood cells and the concentrations of serum IF were studied in 47 intravenous drug users infected with hepatitides viruses B and C (HBV and HCV) and in 50 inpatients with verified diagnosis of hepatitides B or C, 16 of these narcomaniacs. In acute disease, the capacity of cells to produce alpha- and gamma-IF was suppressed, while the concentration of IF circulating in the blood was increased. Suppression of alpha-IF production was more expressed in patients with hepatitides C and B+C than in those with hepatitis B.