[The differential diagnostic significance of neutrophilic reactions to specific antigens in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and sarcoidosis]

Abstract

Similarity of clinical, roentgenological and even morphological features of tuberculosis and sarcoidosis causes difficulties in differential diagnosis. This necessitates searching for new diagnostic criteria. Comparative study of functional state of peripheral blood neutrophils and their reaction to specific antigens (tuberculin and Kveim's reagent) were studied in patients with disseminated tuberculosis and pulmonary sarcoidosis. Tuberculin was demonstrated to exert specific effects only in tuberculous patients. It stimulated migration and increased number of EAC-rosette-forming cells. Specific effects of Kveim's antigen were manifested by considerable increase of E-RFC number and decreased absorptive abilities of phagocytes in patients with sarcoidosis. Differences in effects of tuberculin and Kveim's antigen may be used for differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and sarcoidosis.