Lymphocyte transformation to specific antigens associated with Crohn's disease.

Specific lymphocyte transformation to three micro-organisms that have been implicated in Crohn's disease was performed. These were Pseudomonas maltophilia, Mycobacterium kansasii and Rotavirus. No significant differences were observed for any of the antigens tested. Simultaneous testing of nonspecific stimulation by PHA also showed no difference between patients and controls. These results do not support an aetiological role for these organisms mediated by a purely cellular mechanism.