RENAL IMMUNE-COMPLEXES IN VIRAL-HEPATITIS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 40  (3) , 453-458
Abstract
Patients (22) dying of acute viral hepatitis were studied for the presence of renal immune complexes using direct immunofluorescence. A detailed light microscopic study of liver, kidney and other organs was done and sera scanned for the presence of HBsAg [hepatitis B surface antigen]. Light microscopy indicated that 13 of 22 patients showed mild to moderate glomerular abnormalities. Immunofluorescence was positive in 15 of 22 patients, Ig[immunoglobulin]A being positive in 28%. The incidence of HBsAg was low. B and non-B type of hepatitis viruses may be associated with a high incidence of renal immune complexes along with morphological alterations in the glomerulus.