title: [Immunologic changes and infections in alcoholic cirrhosis].
abstract: The authors explored humoral and cellular immunity in 50 cases of alcoholic cirrhosis. The levels of the three serum immunoglobulins were greater than normal. IgM was significantly higher. The levels of antipolio antibodies (types I, II and III) were significantly higher in cirrhosis than in controls. The antistreptolysin and antistaphylolysin titers showed that the differences between levels found in cirrhosis and in controls were not significant. After taking the Sabin polio vaccine, variations in antipolio antibodies remained within normal limits, considering the high levels noted before taking the vaccine. Total serum complement was normal in 90% of the estimtions carried out. The results of the intradermal reactions were dissociated. Tuberculin skin tests were negative in 35% of cases of cirrhosis and in 14.3% of controls. In skin tests for candida and streptococcal antigen, differences between cirrhotics and controls were not significant. The absolute figure for blood lymphocytes per mm-3 was, in half the cases, less than normal.
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D011055:Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D011055:Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral
vernacular_title: Modifications immunitaires et infections dans les cirrhoses alcooliques