[Phagocytic function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with amebiasis]. / Función fagocitaria de leucocitos polimorfonucleares y subpoblaciones linfocitarias en pacientes con amibiasis.

We initiated a pilot study to evaluate the functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and also to analyze the behavior of lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with different clinical forms of amoebiasis. We found significant differences in many aspects as NBT reduction, Candida digestion, CD4/CD8 relation, Ia expression. We suggest a wider investigation of the mechanism of cell mediated immunity in patients with amoebiasis.

Air sampling studies in a tropical area. Four year results.

Air sampling studies carried out in Caracas. Venezuela indicate that in this tropical area pollen and fungus spores of allergenic potential are airborne throughout the year. The pollen grains of conifers, mulberry and grasses are the most frequently encountered. Many more fungus spores than pollen grains are recovered from the air; among the former, Cladosporium spores are the most frequent and abundant.

Air sampling studies in tropical America (Venezuela). Frequency and periodicity of pollen and spores.

Updated information on airborne particles is not currently available in Venezuela. Thus the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory allergy in this country is by necessity based on imported data and allergens. We have therefore carried out air-sampling studies in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, a city with a tropical climate. A numerically constant pollen load was encountered in the air throughout the year. Most pollen was contributed by trees and by foreign species. A seasonal grass peak was observed in November which may be the cause of true pollinosis or hay fever. Pollen of the ragweed family was rarely observed. A great diversity of molds contributed to the annual spore count. The contribution of individual molds was rather low, thus casting some doubt on the potential role of airborne molds as allergens in the tropics. As in the case of pollen a rather constant load of mold spores was present in the air throughout the whole year.

A test for the determination of competency in clearing bacilli in leprosy patients.

A skin test has been developed to determine the degree of competency in clearing bacilli from the tissues of patients suffering from various forms of leprosy. The test involves the intradermal injection of a suspension of killed Mycobacterium leprae. The response of leprosy patients to the injection of other mycobacterial antigens, one prepared from M. lepraemurium and another from an atypical mycobacterium from a hamster, was also investigated in order to study the isopathic phenomenon. Since lepromatous patients react negatively in tests with standard Mitsuda antigen, a concentration of 640 x 10(6)M. leprae per ml was used to produce macroscopic responses. The results of the test can be applied to determine the duration of consolidation treatment for lepromatous and indeterminate bacteriologically negative patients after regular treatment has ended. The test can also be used to indicate which Mitsuda-negative contacts should be given preventive treatment, and might be used to identify a given mycobacterium as M. leprae.

A test for the determination of competency in clearing bacilli in leprosy patients

A skin test has been developed to determine the degree of competency in clearing bacilli from the tissues of patients suffering from various forms of leprosy. The test involves the intradermal ijection of a suspension of killed Mycobacterium leprae. The response of leprosy patients to the injection of other mycobacterial antigens, one prepared from M. lepraemurium and another from an atypical mycobacterium from a hamster, was also investigated in roder to study the isopathic phenomenon. Since lepromatous patients react negatively in tests with standard Mitsuda antigen, a concentration of 640 x 10(6) M. leprae per ml was used to producce macroscopic responses. The results of the test can be applied to determine the duration of consolidation treatment for lepromatous and indeterminate bacteriologically negative patients after regular treatment has ended. The test can also be used to indicate which Mitsuda-negative contacts should be given preventive treatment, and might be used to identify a given mycobacterium as M. leprae.