title: T- and B-lymphocyte subpopulations in the tropical splenomegaly syndrome (TSS).
abstract: Lymphocyte subpopulations in thirty-nine patients with the tropical splenomegaly syndrome (TSS) were studied using the E-rosette, EAC rosette and direct immunofluorescent staining techniques. In the peripheral blood a decrease in the percentage of T-lymphocytes was found which was accompanied by an increase in the percentage and number of B-lymphocytes. These abnormalities reverted towards normal on treatment. Splenic aspirates contained an increased proportion of T-lymphocytes. The relative T-cell lymphoenia in TSS is probably due to specific trapping or non-specific sequestration of lymphocytes in the liver and splen. B-cell lymphocytosis is probably due to persistent antigenic or mitogenic stimulation by malaria.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008218:Lymphocytosis / Q000209:etiology; D008231:Lymphopenia / Q000209:etiology; D008288:Malaria / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D012397:Rosette Formation; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology