Cell-Mediated Immunological Investigation on the Susceptibility to Infection in Handicapped Children

One hundred and nine children handicapped mentally and physically were investigated by a cell-mediated immunological method on account of being particularly susceptible to infection in their routine life. PHA skin reaction was weak, but tuberculin test after BCG inoculation was nnormal. The childreｎ　partivularly　susceptiblie to upper respiratory infection showed a weaker PHA skin reaction and higher level of serum immunoglobulin than the other handicappted children. Rosette-forming lymphocytes and lymphocytes transformed in vitro by PHA stimulation were evaluated in the peripheral blood of 15 cases, and these kinds of lymphocytes were decreased. Cell-mediated responses, after subcutaneous immunization with inactivated influenza vaccine, were examined in 15 cases. Rosette-forming lymphocytes and PHA skin reaction were suppressed significantly during three to six weeks after the first immunization.