[Evaluation of the immune and interferon status of children infected with herpes simplex virus and living in areas with increased radiation background].

Virological and immunological examinations were carried out in 52 children aged 4 to 15 living at the Bryansk district territories contaminated with radionuclides after the Chernobyl accident. The persistence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the blood was detected by indirect immunofluorescence in 90% of children, in 10% it was confirmed by the virus isolation in vitro in a cell culture. Specific antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 were detected by enzyme immunoassay in 100% examinees, in 50% their titers surpassed those in the control group. Study of the cell-mediated immunity reactions showed increased spontaneous lymphocyte blastogenesis in 46%, a functional defect of lymphocytes upon their nonspecific stimulation with PHA mitogen and increased antigen-dependent capacity of cells to proliferation in 45%, and increased levels of circulating immune complexes in the blood and a tendency to increase of the IgG and decrease of the IgA levels in the blood serum. In addition, a quantitative imbalance was revealed in the T-cell population. Study of interferon production revealed a reduced capacity of blood lymphocytes to produce gamma-interferon and an increased production of alpha-interferon by leukocytes, as well as an increased level of circulating interferon in the serum. These data indicate a decrease of the immune status due to radiation and HSV infection.