[Basic indicators of cellular immunity in patients with chronic staphylococcal osteomyelitis].

The objective of the presented work is to compare the state of the immune system in patients with chronic osteomyelitis with a group of the healthy population. The authors followed up on a long-term basis a group of 24 patients with chronic osteomyelitis of staphylococcal origin; they completed immunological examinations comprising cellular and humoral immunity (in particular assessment of T-lymphocytes and their sub-populations by means of monoclonal antibodies, examination of phagocytic capacities of blood elements, assessment of selected plasma protein and immunoglobulin levels). Comparison of results of these examinations in patients with chronic osteomyelitis and the healthy population proved statistically very significant differences in particular in the number of T-lymphocytes (reduction of T-lymphocytes CD 4+, i.e. helpers, immunity stimulating cells and reduction of the ratio of immunity promoting lymphocytes and immunity inhibiting lymphocytes). The authors found also significant differences in the levels of plasma proteins and immunoglobulins.