Active and total T cells in blood and cerebrospinal fluid during the course of aseptic meningitis

Abstract

Patients with aseptic meningitis (AM) were examined with the active T [thymus-derived] cell rosette test, which has been claimed to reflect cell-mediated immunocompetence more accurately than determination of total T cells. Higher percentages of active T cells were demonstrated in CSF compared to blood regardless if specimens were obtained on days 1-4, days 5-10 or later than 20 days after onset of symptoms. Active T cell percentages of CSF decreased when values of specimens obtained on days 5-10 were compared with those taken later than 20 days after onset; no significant variations of active T cell percentages in blood were observed. The percentages of total T cells were higher in CSF than blood in specimens from days 5-10 and later than 20 days after onset; no significant fluctuations of total T cells occurred in CSF or blood over the course of AM.