[Indices of T-lymphocytes and their subpopulations in children with influenza].

The results of the study of T lymphocytes and their subpopulations in 150 children ranging in age from 2 months to 5 years suffering from influenza complicated with croup, pneumonia, and obstructive syndrome are presented. In 47 children, mixed infection: influenza with concomitant adenovirus infection or respiratory-syncytial infection was observed. The control group consisted of 22 normal children. In the acute period of influenza the number of T lymphocytes and their subpopulations was found to decrease. The greatest decrease in the levels of T lymphocytes and especially of E-theophylline-sensitive ones was observed in cases complicated with pneumonia and obstructive syndrome. In mixed infections, inhibition of E-RFC and their subpopulations was more marked in influenza and adenovirus disease. The data obtained by catamnestic observations of children with lowered levels of T lymphocytes suggest that such children should be referred to a risk group and apparently require immunocorrective therapy.