Which histologic feature is more characteristic of Hepatitis C infection?

Which histologic feature is more characteristic of Hepatitis C infection?

• A. Finely granular, homogeneous, pale pink cytoplasm
• B. Lymphoid aggregates
• C. Steatosis with macrovesicular fat
• D. Kupffer cell hyperplasia

Answer: (B)

Chronic hepatitis C typically shows portal inflammatory infiltrates organized into lymphoid aggregates, often with germinal centers. This reflects ongoing antigenic stimulation by the virus and a prominent B-cell–rich response in the liver. While some fat accumulation can occur in hepatitis C (steatosis, especially with certain genotypes), and other changes like Kupffer cell hyperplasia can be seen with various liver injuries, the presence of portal lymphoid aggregates is a more distinctive feature of hepatitis C.

Chronic hepatitis C typically shows portal inflammatory infiltrates organized into lymphoid aggregates, often with germinal centers. This reflects ongoing antigenic stimulation by the virus and a prominent B-cell–rich response in the liver. While some fat accumulation can occur in hepatitis C (steatosis, especially with certain genotypes), and other changes like Kupffer cell hyperplasia can be seen with various liver injuries, the presence of portal lymphoid aggregates is a more distinctive feature of hepatitis C.