title: Cell-mediated immunity in HBeAg-positive homosexuals with chronic liver disease.
abstract: Chronic liver disease developing after infection with the hepatitis B virus may be due to impairment of cell-mediated immunity (CMI). In a study of CMI by the lymphocyte transformation test to two mitogens and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) the response to the mitogens, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and purified protein derivative (PPD), was normal in all of 15 male homosexuals with HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease, indicating a normal non-specific cellular immune response. By contrast, only one of the 15 patients showed a response to HBsAg, which may explain the high prevalence of chronic HBsAg carriage in these patients.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens