[Immunologic indices in a varying course of lepromatous leprosy]

The study of the proliferative and regulatory functions of lymphocytes in patients with lepra of the lepromatous type has shown that at the active stage of the disease both the response of lymphocytes to mitogens and their suppressor functions are decreased. During the regression of the disease these characteristics are restored to the normal level only in patients with the relapse-free course of the disease, while patients with relapses in their medical history retain the low level of such characteristics. It is expedient to use these cell-mediated immunity characteristics as signs permitting the formation of risk groups of patients who may expect the relapse of the disease.