[Indicators of systemic and local immunity in patients with spinal tuberculosis].

The examination of 33 patients with tuberculous spondylitis and its sequelae revealed inhibition of T-cell immunity in 40% of the examinees, antituberculous antibodies in the blood of 73% of patients. An enzyme immunoassay detected antituberculous antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid of 70% seropositive sufferers with spinal tuberculosis. Positive results of this test serve a direct indication to spinal decompression and intensive pre- and postoperative antituberculosis treatment.