Dynamic analysis of lymphocyte subsets of peripheral blood in patients with acute self-limited hepatitis B

Purpose: To investigate dynamic changes and significance of lymphocyte subsets (T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, NK cells and T cell subsets) of peripheral blood in patients with acute self-limited hepatitis B (AHB). Methods: Immune cells of peripheral blood were compared among 17 cases of self-limited acute hepatitis B patients, 36 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 32 healthy controls by flow cytometry (FCM). CD4/CD8 was monitored dynamically, meanwhile relations between T lymphocyte subsets and ALT and clearance of HBV DNA were explored. Results: Dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets were found in AHB, the level of CD3T cells was significantly higher compared to CHB group and healthy control group. Frequencies of CD3CD4 T cells in the third and fourth week and CD4/CD8 in the second week were higher compared to other groups. Frequency of NK cells was low and was significantly lower compared to other groups in the third week specially. It was showed that CD4/CD8 was low followed by high abnormal ALT during early stage by dynamic monitoring of CD4/CD8, and CD4/CD8 was increasing accompanied by normal ALT set by set, but CD4/CD8 had no significant relation to ALT and HBV DNA. Conclusion: Immune status of AHB, compared to CHB and healthy controls, was significantly different and dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets may be related to progress of disease.