Immunology of chronic generalized periodontitis. 1. Estimation of cellular and humoral immune status.

Cell-mediated and humoral immune responses were assessed in forty patients with chronic generalized periodontitis (CGP), and in an equal number of control subjects. The cell mediated immunity assessed by enumeration of total rosette forming cells [TRFC] and high affinity rosette forming cells [HARFC], were found to be slightly depressed in CGP patients compared controls. The humoral immune response was assessed by estimation of serum immunoglobulins G,A,M,D and E by single radial immunodiffusion technique (RID). Except IgD all the other immunoglobulins were found to be elevated significantly. These immunological derangements found in CGP patients may be the cause or effect of the disease process.