ABSTRACT
80 successive cases of acute haematogenous osteomyelitis [AHO]. They were all treated and investigated in the Hadra Orthopaedic and Traumatolology University Hospital, November 1986- May 1988. The immune system was investigated by testing the skin reaction to purified protein derivative [PPD] and dinitrochlorobenzene [DNCB]. The percentage of T-lymphocytes was detected by the E-rosette test and their function was evaluated by the leucocyte migration inhibition test and the phytohaemagglutinin stimulation test. The phagocytic function of the neutrophils was assessed by the nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction test. All patients were subjected to HLA typing. The percentage and function of T-lymphocytes were found subnormal in patients with AHO. The neutrophil phagocytic function and skin reactivity to PPD were also subnormal. HLAA-A9, B5, B7 and Bw73 were found more in patients with AHO than in normal controls. The HLA-B22, B42 and B15 [63] were more frequent in normal controls