An analysis of adaptive reactions in healthy subjects who have prolonged contact with tuberculosis patients

Abstract

Prolonged contact of healthy subjects with Mycobacterium tuberculosis can change their blood formula and immune status, thus reflecting adaptive reactions to constant antigenic load. The peripheral blood analysis of health care workers (HCWs) in a tuberculosis hospital demonstrates changes in cell populations which prevent development of tuberculosis, in particular, CD4+ Т cells and CD3+ Т cells. It is shown that the number of the memory CD4+ Т cells specific to M.tuberculosis antigens which produce interferon gamma depends on the duration of work contact with tuberculosis patients. The HCWs blood characteristics usage as a control for tuberculosis patients is discussed.