Viral Markers and Autoantibodies in Autoimmune Liver Disease Patients

Autoimmune liver disease is a chronic condition caused by immune-mediated auto-aggressive inflammatory reactions in genetically susceptible individuals. The diagnosis of the disease is multipronged and detection of autoantibodies in Autoimmune liver disease is an important diagnostic tool and it also helps in the classification of the disease. This study evaluated the autoantibodies and analyzed viral makers for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Autoimmune liver disease patients. Autoimmune Liver disease was evaluated by various immuno-serological assays which include Anti-nuclear antibodies, Anti-double stranded DNA, Anti-liver kidney microsomal antibody and Anti-mitochondrial antibody. Association of viruses with Type I and Type II Autoimmune hepatitis were found. Viral infection can act as a trigger for Autoimmune hepatitis by initiating a self-perpetuating immune-mediated liver inflammation and can present acutely after the resolution of viral Hepatitis. Key words: Autoimmune liver disease, Autoimmune hepatitis, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus