EOSINOPHILIC LEUKAEMIA — RECOVERY OF MYCOPLASMA ORALE FROM THE BONE MARROW

Abstract

Abstract. A case of eosinophilic leukaemia of the mature cell type is presented. The case reported fulfils the clinical and morphological criteria of acute myeloid leukaemia. The morphological and serological findings are not consistent with disseminated eosinophilic “collagen disease” or any other “collagen disease”. The onset was that of an infection with an elevated titre of cold agglutinins. Mycoplasma orale type 1 was isolated from the bone marrow. The possible oncogenic role of mycoplasma is discussed, inasmuch as the morphological defect found in the present patient's thymus may indicate a potentially altered immune response.