[Immunological changes during hydrotherapy].

Immunological tests were performed in 34 patients undergoing hydrotherapy according to Kneipp. IgM, alpha2-macroglobulin and complement factor C3 concentrations were increased after this treatment, but not in ten healthy volunteers. Specific antibody activities (staphylococci, E. coli, streptococci) remained unchanged. After intracutaneous testing with different protein and bacterial antigens reactions were significantly more intense (diameter of reaction) after hydrotherapy, while total number of reacting patients remained the same. Pokeweed stimulation ratio was increased in the lymphocyte transformation test, while PHA and PPD stimulation rates remained unaltered.