Cell mediated and humoral immunity and light-chain proteinuria in rifampicin-treated tuberculous patients.

The present study was devoted to assess the humoral and cell mediated immune responsiveness in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis before and after rifampicin therapy. Skin test using PPD and PHA; Rosette forming cells test, serum IgG, M and A; and light chain proteinuria have been tested for 15 newly diagnosed tuberculous patients and 15 normal controls. Rifampicin showed an immunosuppressive effect on both cellular and humoral immune responses as well as by the advent of light chain proteinuria.