Failure to Demonstrate Circulating Interferon During Incubation Period and Acute Stage of Transfusion-Associated Hepatitis

Ninety-six serial serum specimens collected prior to exposure and during the incubation period and acute phase of transfusion-associated hepatitis in 13 patients were tested for interferon. None was found. Two each of the patients had hepatitis-associated antigen, antibody to such antigen, or anticomplementary activity. Failure to detect interferon in hepatitis patients may be related to the tendency of viral hepatitis, in some cases, to become a prolonged or chronic disease.