Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocytic subsets in haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome virus infection.

Percentage counts of T-lymphocytes (helper and suppressor subpopulation) and B-lymphocytes were performed in the peripheral blood of two confirmed cases of HFRS infection using Coulter Clone monoclonal antibodies and Becton Dickinson flow cytometry. The individual values were compared with those from healthy subjects. HFRS patients had lower total T-cell (CD2) and T-helper (CD4 subset) counts. This seems linked with the role of the CD4 determinant as viral receptor. The measuring of specific lymphocyte helper and suppressor subpopulations might be useful in predicting the course of the disease and in following the effects of therapy.