Detection of WA B cells in hepatitis C virus infection: A potential prognostic marker for cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and B cell malignancies

Abstract

By identification of the WA Xid, WA B cells can be detected in asymptomatic HCV-infected patients. WA B cells in asymptomatic patients with HCV infection may be a marker for the development of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and associated B cell malignancies. The results of this study provide a basis for the development of the first practical clinical application of cross-idiotype analysis.