Role of some T-lymphocyte subsets in assessment of treatment response in tuberculous patients

Background: CD4,CD8 T cells, T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) have an important role in host defence in pulmonary tuberculosis. Aim of the work: Evaluate the role of some T-lymphocyte subsets in treatment failure of tuberculous patients. Subjects and methods: This study was carried out on 52 persons divided into 4 groups: group I control, group II active TB patients, group III Responders to treatment and group IV (non-responders) .Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and peripheral blood samples from patients and controls were examined for the frequency of CD4, CD8, Th1 and Th2 cells using flow cytometry. Results: Bronchoalveolar lavage CD4% was significantly increased in group III as compared to other groups, CD8% was significantly increased in group IV as compared to other groups, Th1% was significantly high in group III as compared to other groups. Blood CD4% was increased in group III as compared to other groups, CD8% was significantly increased in groups II and IV as compared to other groups, Th1%was significantly decreased in groups II and IV as compared to other groups. Th2% was significantly increased in group IV as compared to other groups. Conclusion: CD4, CD8, Th1 and Th2 cells play a major role in immunology against TB infection and can be used as a marker for response to anti-tuberculous treatment