Lymphocyte and lymphocyte subset numbers in blood and in bronchoalveolar lavage and pleural fluid in various forms of human pulmonary tuberculosis at presentation and during recovery.

Abstract

The association of CD8 cells with delayed recovery is compatible with suppression of the antimycobacterial action of macrophages. The switch to predominance of CD4 cells in lavage fluid during successful treatment supports the view that they may have a role in eliminating mycobacteria.