T-lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of leprotic patients

ABSTRACT

Total T-lymphocytes and its subsets were enumerated in the peripheral blood of 48 leprotic patients and 25 controls. Enumeration was determined by monoclonal antibodies using indirect immunofluorescent technique.The total lymphocytes [OKT[3]] and the helper/inducer subset [OKT[4]] were significantly lower in leprotic patients than controls, while the T-suppressor/cytotoxic subset [OKT[8]] was significantly higher. Comparing the results of different types of leprosy and controls, there were no significant differences between tuberculoid leprosy group and controls in OKT[3] OKT[4],OKT[8] and OKT[4] /OKT[8] ratio. However, there was a significant gradual decline in OKT[3] and OKT[4] from tuberculoid through borderline to lepromatous leprosy. On the other hand, there was a significant gradual increase in OKT[8] from tuberculoid through borderline to lepromatous leprosy