[Activity of T- and B-system lymphocytes in generalized purulent infections]

The comparison of the results obtained in the study of blood samples taken from 37 septic patients and 60 healthy persons has revealed that general purulent infection is accompanied by a drop in the percentage and absolute content of T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood, by a rise in the level off D-lymphocytes, by a considerable increase in the number of O-cells. At the same time the patients with general purulent infection show a change in the functional activity of the B-system of lymphocytes, which is manifested by a decrease in the amount of IgM and IgG, an increase in the titers of antibodies to staphylococci, strain 209p. These data suggest that in general purulent infection profound disturbances occur in the immune system of the body.