Immunological studies in burns

Evaluation of E and EAC rosette-forming cells in patients with thermal injuries

Thermal injuries lead to changes in both the cell-mediated and humoral responses of the patient. This study was undertaken to assess these responses in the post-burn period and also to see if bacterial infection altered these responses. It has been concluded that alterations in the cell-mediated and humoral immune responses following thermal injuries are altered by infection and consequently are also important in the healing process.

Cellular immunity in burns

Evaluation of cellular immunity in burns was undertaken using the following parameters: T-cell count; blastoid transformation and macrophage migration inhibition factor index (MIF). Their influence upon bactericidal index was also measured as T-cell count per mm3 and in percentage was found to be depressed in parallel, probably due to some cellular immune in parallel, probably due to some cellular immune functions active at the burned site. Blastoid transformation and MIF index were found to be depressed in parallel especially in major burns, i.e. above 25 per cent. These parameters had a significant influence upon the bactericidal index thus enhancing its activity to a considerable extent when values of the former were approaching near normal limits.

Serodiagnosis of the role of opportunistic bacteria in cases of burn wound sepsis

In the present study, the antibody titres in the serum of 21 patients with burns were analysed against various Gram-negative organisms, infecting the wounds of these patients. Antibody titre was determined on the first, fourth and tenth day of admission. The rise in antibody titre was correlated with the age of the patient, degree and area of burns and clinical status of the burn wounds.