[The mononuclear phagocytes and antiviral resistance in pneumonia]

As many as 159 patients with pneumonia (all men aged 18-39) were examined. Functional activity of monocytes was studied in an integral test with nitroblue tetrazolium as was nonspecific cellular antiviral resistance by the level of viral damage to the monocytes and lymphocytes. The progression of pneumonia was found to be accompanied by a decrease in the number of phagocytizing mononuclears and the activity of phagocytosis. Nonspecific cellular antiviral resistance is significantly impaired. The proportion of monocytes and lymphocytes containing viral inclusions increases several-fold. The treatment of patients is accompanied by positive dynamics of indicators of functional status of monocytes and nonspecific cellular antiviral resistance. By the time of discharge from hospital the impaired functions of immunocompetent cells fail to completely restore.