[General immune reactivity and herpes genitalis (author's transl)]

Twenty-two Japanese women with herpes genitalis were examined for subpopulations of peripheral lymphocytes, serum immunoglobulin and immune skin tests. The number of "active" T lymphocytes was significantly less in those with herpes genitalis, as compared to the healthy controls. Differences between the number of "total" T lymphocytes and "total" B lymphocytes between the patients and controls were nil. The levels of serum IgA and IgM were increased in patients with herpes genitalis. Mean diameter of both PPD and PHA skin test in patients was within normal ranges. These findings suggest that to some extent, the cellular immunity associated with "active" T lymphocyte is suppressed in patients with herpes genitalis. The significance of the elevated serum IgA and IgM is now being investigated.