T lymphocyte phenotypic profile in lung segments affected by cavitary and non-cavitary tuberculosis

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2003.02121.x
• Publication Date: 2004-12-21T21:52:06Z
• Authors: G MAZZARELLA; A BIANCO; F PERNA; D D'AURIA; E GRELLA; E MOSCARIELLO; A SANDUZZI
• Keywords: Lymphocytosis

SUMMARY Clinical manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) may depend on a complex interaction between the host and pathogen. outcomes are variable, ranging from asymptomatic lifelong infection to parenchymal lung destruction, resulting in cavitary lesions. To investigate hypothesis that local cellular immune response affect presentation outcome tuberculosis, we performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) segments affected by non-cavitary tuberculosis. We then correlated type at level involved with clinical evolution terms cavity formation. found alveolar lymphocytosis patients both increased CD4+ lymphocytes A predominant Th1 has been observed patients, while exhibit presence Th2 lymphocyte subsets. These data, confirming importance Th1-type cells IFN-γ effective immunity active also suggest contribute tissue necrosis phenomena associated Our observations indicate site disease development different characteristics