LYMPHOCYTE AND NEUTROPHIL DYSFUNCTION ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATITIS-B VIRUS AND HEPATITIS NON-A, NON-B VIRUS-INFECTION IN THE CHIMPANZEE

Chimpanzees were examined for the effect of viral hepatitis infections on specific and nonspecific immune response mechanisms. The data suggest that infection with either hepatitis B virus or hepatitis non-A, non-B virus may result in suppression of cellular immune response components. Mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation was lower in virus-infected chimpanzees than in naive animals. Neutrophils from virus infected animals exhibited decreased or altered chemiluminescence kinetics.