ABSTRACT
Cell mediated and humoral immunity, immunoregulation compartment, phagocyte system and interferon status were analyzed during the first day of life in 96 newborns from mothers with cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus infections as well as in 20 newborns from mothers with physiological course of the pregnancy and delivery. As a result of this study the next characteristics were found in newborns of the experimental group: activation of T-compartment of immunity with intense emigration of increased number of early precursor T lymphocytes into the peripheral blood; alteration of the immunoregulation compartment with reduction (or a tendency of reduction) of absolute number of T lymphocytes (CD3(+)), CD4(+) helpers-inducers, the cytotoxic T lymphocyte fraction within CD8(+) cells and increase of the T suppressor fraction; increase of the level of cells, which express receptors for IL-2 (CD25(+)); increase of the number of NK and activated NK (CD16(+)CD8(+)); decrease of the absolute and relative number of mature B lymphocytes (CD20(+)); increase of IgM and IgA synthesis; increased level of the immature forms of neutrophiles and reduced phagocytic ability of some phagocytes; reduction of IFN-ggr; and increase of IFN-alpha level. Thus, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus were shown to affect unfavorably the development of immunity during ontogenesis with alteration of the immune homeostasis, reflecting intrauterine activation of the antigen-specific immune response. All above mentioned may serve as an indication for immunocorrecton therapy, and in particular for IFN preparations with aim to correct immune and IFN deficiency among such children immediately after their birth.
