[The importance of secondary immune deficiencies in the pathogenesis of dysentery]

Some immunity indices were studied in patients with acute dysentery. The number of total and active T-lymphocytes, T mu- and T gamma-cells, T-rabbit, T-staphylococcal, B-total and B-lymphocytes forming rosettes with mouse erythrocytes were determined for assessment of the immune status. Changes in the above indices with relation to the severity of the disease were noted. Suppression of the T- and B-systems of immunity were noticeable in patients with a severe and lingering course of disease. Delayed time of complete convalescence was observed in patients with a marked imbalance of indices of the T- and B-systems of immunity during convalescence.