[Immunopathologic aspects of recurrent phlebitis and nodular vascularitis. Therapeutic applications]

Recurrence of vasculitis is conditioned by 2 factors : a) one is extrinsic (bacteria, mycobacteria, viruses, chemicals) ; b) the other comes from the host. From host-extrinsic factors inter-relationships, depend recurrences of the disease. The role of streptococcosis is of primordial importance : 1) by its exotoxins (Streptolysin O) ;2) by its total exoproteins (highly sensitizing for human beings) ; 3) by an antigenic community with some tissular antigens. Immunotherapy when successful may act by an inhibiting effect on allergy (probably exerted by means of a stimulation of the reticuloendothelial system).