Kinetics of lymphocyte subpopulations and their functions in cases of amoebic liver abscess

This study shows the relationship between lymphocyte subpopulations and their response to non-specific stimulant phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and specific stimulant (amoebic antigen) in cases of amoebic liver abscess in relation to the duration of disease, based on the first appearance of symptoms and/or signs, 26 patients with amoebic liver abscess and 20 normal, healthy controls were studied. Five of the patients gave a history of alcohol intake for the last 10 to 15 years. Eight had a solitary abscess and five had multiple abscesses, as seen on liver scan. No change in the B cell count was noticed in any of the patients. Depression of the T cell number and function was noticed from two weeks onwards. A history of alcohol intake made no difference. Cases with multiple liver abscesses were more immunologically depressed than were those with a solitary abscess.