[Role of immunologic studies in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in adolescents]

Tuberculous antigens and antibodies, antigens and antibodies to pneumococcus, haemophilus bacteria. Klebsiella pneumonia, proteus bacteria were determined in 100 adolescents (87 with tuberculosis and 13 with nonspecific lung diseases). Specific antigens and antibodies were detected in 62% of tuberculous and 7.7% of nontuberculous patients. The most pronounced immune response to M. tuberculosis antigens and antibodies as well as to nonspecific flora was registered in patients with long-term and disseminated processes. Immunological investigations are thought an important tool in diagnosis, differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and planning combined treatment policy.