[Functional status of the interferon system in inapparent and clinical infection with hepatitis B and C viruses].

In vitro production of alpha- and gamma-interferon (IF) by peripheral blood cells and the concentrations of serum IF were studied in 47 intravenous drug users infected with hepatitides viruses B and C (HBV and HCV) and in 50 inpatients with verified diagnosis of hepatitides B or C, 16 of these narcomaniacs. In acute disease, the capacity of cells to produce alpha- and gamma-IF was suppressed, while the concentration of IF circulating in the blood was increased. Suppression of alpha-IF production was more expressed in patients with hepatitides C and B+C than in those with hepatitis B. HBV and/or HCV infection without clinical signs of disease did not affect the production of IF. In narcomaniacs using opiates and ephedrine drugs for up to 5 years IF system did not depend on drug addiction.