Cellular immunity (T-cell subset using monoclonal antibody) in tuberculosis, melioidosis, pasteurellosis, penicilliosis; and role of levamisole and isoprinosine.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of cellular immunity (T-cell subset--using monoclonal antibody--immunofluorescent staining technique; E-rosette formation to 2.4-Dinitrochlorobenzene reaction) were made in tuberculosis, melioidosis, pasteurellosis and penicilliosis. The data demonstrate depressed cellular immunity especially a significant decrease in numbers of T-helper cells and T-helper/T-suppressor subset ratio fell to less than 1.0. Of greater importance, in tuberculous patients and patients with melioidosis treated with levamisole, 150 mg/day, twice a week, along with a specific antitubercular or antimicrobial agent for appropriate duration, improved faster both clinically, microbiologically and in cellular immunity.