[T-lymphocyte subpopulations in tuberculosis in middle aged and aged patients]

The role of T-lymphocyte subpopulations in regulation of immunity was studied using monoclonal antibodies OKT-4 and OKT-8 in tuberculous patients and healthy subjects of different age. Basing on the examination of 174 patients, it was established that in older subjects pulmonary tuberculosis runs in the presence of aged-related changes in the immune system: an increase in the number of T-suppressors, a reduction in that of T-helpers, secondary immunodeficiency dependent on the process severity and forms. These shifts are suggested to be responsible for the inadequate immune response to M. tuberculosis in the elderly.