Rapid loss of both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets during the acute phase of severe acute respiratory syndrome
Li, T.; Qiu, Z.; Han, Y.; Wang, Z.; Fan, H.; Lu, W.; Xie, J.; Ma, X.; Wang, A.
Chinese Medical Journal 116(7): 985-987
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 12890367 Document Number: 557309
Objective: To study the alteration of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patients and to help improve the early diagnosis of the disease. Methods: Anti-coagulating blood samples from 98 SARS patients in the acute phase, 56 normal healthy blood donors, and from patients infected by HIV, CMV and EBV were collected. The T lymphocyte subsets were counted by flow cytometry using fluorescence-labeled specific monoclonal antibodies. Results: A significant decrease was observed in all SARS patients in their peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte absolute counts (256(104)X106/L and 256 (117)X106/L, respectively), which were also lower than those of the patients infected with HIV, CMV and EBV. All patients infected with HIV, CMV and EBV had significantly higher CD8+ T lymphocyte counts in comparison with normal controls. Conclusions: Decrease of both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes of patients is related to onset of SARS. T lymphocyte subset analysis would help improve the early diagnosis of the disease.