[Study of lymphocyte subpopulations by means of monoclonal antibodies in acute hepatitis A and B].

We studied T3, T4 and T8 lymphocyte populations in peripheral blood by monoclonal antibodies in 40 patients with acute viral hepatitis (Type A 20; Type B 20) who underwent outcome to complete recovery. We compared the results with 20 healthy subjects (control group). We found a decrease in total lymphocytes measured by T3 monoclonal antibodies and a significant increase in T8 lymphocyte populations compared with control groups. In the early stage the T4/T8 ratio was decreased. Lymphocyte populations and T4/T8 ratio was normal in 3-6 month follow-up for the acute A hepatitis group and 3.6 month to a year follow-up for the B hepatitis group. Results were related to the humoral and clinical outcome.