Low prevalence hbv in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in southern China

[stef2011]

http://www.springerlink.com/content/k1607411g1151654/

Low prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in southern China

Abstract
To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in southern China, SLE inpatients were retrospectively investigated for their HBV infection rate. Fifteen SLE patients positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were followed up. Furthermore, serum interferon (IFN)-α levels among SLE patients were detected by ELISA. Results showed estimated HBsAg-positive rate was 10.74% in general population. The HBsAg-positive rate was lower in SLE patients compared with controls (2.33 vs. 9.57%, P < 0.01). Interestingly, 13 out of 15 SLE patients converted from HBsAg positive to HBV surface antibody (HBsAb) positive even under glucocorticoid therapy. In addition, we found significantly increased IFN-α levels in SLE patients.The prevalence of HBV infection in SLE patients was lower than that in sex- and age-matched non-SLE controls in southern China. The characteristic IFN signatures in SLE may favor the subsequent clearance of HBV.

[imdb90]

Indeed is very interesting. This study revealed how complicated and complex is our immune system. Generally people with autoimmune disease are prone to infections plus the steorids and othe imunosupresive drugs.

[stef2011]

this is really interesting: 13 out of 15 SLE patients converted from HBsAg positive to HBV surface antibody (HBsAb) positive even under glucocorticoid therapy