Fatal disseminated BCG infection. An investigation of the immunodeficiency.
A 2-year-old boy had a fatal disseminated BCG infection. Immunologic assessment showed a normal humoral response and normal numbers of E rosettes, normal thymus weight and histological features, but an abnormal response of lymphocytes in vitro and negative skin tests. Histological examination showed the presence of Gram-negative acid-fast bacilli within the macrophages. The possible mechanisms of immunodeficiency in this patient are discussed.
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D001500:BCG Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002417:Cattle; D002464:Cell Migration Inhibition; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007112:Immunity, Maternally-Acquired; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000276:immunology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D009163:Mycobacterium bovis / Q000276:immunology*; D012882:Skin Tests; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014380:Tuberculosis, Bovine / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*
D001500:BCG Vaccine; D007136:Immunoglobulins