Delayed Hypersensitivity in Hepatitis B: Clinical Correlates of in Vitro Production of Migration Inhibition Factor

Abstract

Delayed hypersensitivity to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in patients with disease from the clinical spectrum of hepatitis and in controls was examined by an indirect assay of macrophage migration inhibitory factor. Activity was demonstrated in cases of acute or persistently active hepatitis. Steroids and pregnancy had a suppressive effect. Samples from a patient with transfusion-related HBsAg hepatitis were also assayed.