Immunological evaluation of asymptomatic carriers of hepatitis B virus.

The immune system of 69 asymptomatic HBsAg carriers with normal liver function tests was evaluated. B cell function, as documented by serum immunoglobulin levels, number of mouse rosette-forming lymphocytes and lymphocyte reactivity to staphylococcal protein A, was intact. On the other hand, T cell function was markedly impaired. This was manifested by a significant decrease in E rosette-forming lymphocytes, an increase in stable rosette-forming cells and decreased reactivity to phytohaemagglutinin and concanavalin A. These data rule out the possibility that the immunological aberrations associated with hepatitis B infection are secondary to liver injury. The abnormal immune state either precedes the viral infection, thus predisposing to the acquisition of a carrier state or, alternatively, is a direct result of the infection.