OBJECTIVETo discuss the changes of lymphocyte subsets in HCV children with different genotypes during treatment with pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin.

METHODSThe genotype of 45 HCV infected children were identified by real time PCR. The lymphocyte subsets were dynamically detected by BD FACSCalibur flow cytometer with four color MultiTEST IMK Kit during the treatment.

RESULTSFor the children with 1b genotype, after 24 weeks, the CD4+ T cells were higher than pre-treatment (P < 0.05). For the children with 2a genotype, after 12 weeks and after 24 weeks, the CD3+ T cells and CD4+ T cells significantly increased while the NK cells decreased than pre-treatment (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe lymphocyte subsets of HCV children with 2a genotype were different from 1b genotype during trentment with pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin.