[Correlation between HLA antigens and immune status in dust-induced lung diseases in workers of machine-building industry].

Simultaneous study of immune state and HLA-testing was conducted for 73 patients with pneumoconiosis and 52 sufferers from dust bronchitis. The HLA antigens appeared to correlate with immune disorders in those diseases. The study revealed differences in the HLA antigens causing immune changes in pneumoconiosis and dust bronchitis.

[The immune system in dust-induced bronchitis].

Studies of the immunity in 233 patients with dust-induced bronchitis (DIB), engaged in machine building, have revealed essential shifts in the T and B immunity systems, that were related to the severity and clinical features of the disease. The authors have set up the criteria for defining the normal range of values and the range of immunologic values characteristic of DIB; this helped detect the disordered immunity parameters in each of the examined patients. A method for the diagnosis of the immunity disorders in DIB patients is suggested, making use of just two characteristics, the per cent share of active T and B lymphocytes and their ratio, this essentially simplifying and accelerating the investigation.

[Immune reactivity in pneumoconiosis and coniotuberculosis in machine builders].

Immune status was examined in 231 patients facing pneumoconiosis and coniotuberculosis so as to observe a dependence on pneumoconiosis type (silicosis, electric welder's pneumoconiosis), severity of the process, activity of tuberculosis. Markedly changed T and B immunity, having already appeared at initial stage of the disease, were revealed. Those changes due to the tuberculosis activity were characterized by lymphocytosis, marked functional immaturity of T lymphocytes, depressed B lymphocytes count, elevated serum Ig level.

[Characteristics of the ambulatory care of patients with complicated forms of dust-induced bronchitis].

The efficacy of follow-up was evaluated in 83 patients facing complicated dust bronchitis of 2 and 3 grades. An active follow-up group was treated by immunopotentiators in clinic every 3-4 months so as to prevent recurrences, while the passive follow-up group received the stationary treatment only once a year. Observations within 3 years showed a great efficiency of the active follow-up combined with the antirecurrence treatment given 3-4 times a year.

[Use of chlotazol as an immunomodulating agent in chronic bronchitis].

A positive immunomodulatory effect was found in chronic bronchitis patients examined immunologically before and after treatment including chlotazol. T- and B-cell immunity recovered, clinical condition of the patients improved. A combination of known antimicrobial and antiinflammatory effects with an uncovered immunomodulatory one made chlotazol a valuable modality in the treatment of chronic bronchitis associated with secondary immune deficiency.