Kinetics of Peripheral Blood T Cell Numbers and Functions in Patients with Burns

Abstract
Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was assessed in 58 patients with burns involving 10 to 40% of the total body surface area (TBSA) and in 16 normal healthy individuals, by using 2 parameters, the total T cell counts in peripheral circulation and T cell function as indicated by the leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) test. Three recall antigens from C. albicans, Salmonella typhi and Entamoeba histolytica were used to elicit the LMI. The T cell function was found to be significantly depressed in burns involving more than 25% TBSA. Depression of T cell function started after the 7th postburn (PB) day and continued until the 60th PB day.