Swaminathan, S and Nandini, K S and Hanna, L E and Somu, N and Narayanan, P R and Barnes, P F
(2000)
T-Lymphocyte subpopulation in tuberculosis.
Indian Pediatrics, 37 (5).
pp. 489-495.
ISSN Print: 0019-6061; Online:0974-7559
Abstract
Tuberculosis is associated with both qualitative and quantitative defects in the cell
mediated immune response. The changes that occur in the lymphocyte profile in blood in children
with tuberculosis are not well understood. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Referral hospitals.
Methods: Lymphocyte subpopulations were determined by flow cytometry in 17 healthy tuberculin
positive children, in 22 children with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis and in 8 of these
children after antituberculosis therapy, Results: Absolute numbers and percentages of CD3+ and
CD4+ T cells were reduced in children with tuberculosis, compared to controls. CD4+ counts
increased significantly following antituberculosis treatment, compared to baseline values. In contrast,
the proportion of T cells expressing the gd T cell receptor was similar in tuberculosis patients and
controts. Conclusion: Children with tuberculosis have a systemic decrease in the proportion and
number of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells which reverses during therapy.
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