Summary:
Background: There is a great deal of information to suggest that activated T cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Less is known about the possible influence of a trigger bacterial antigen on circulating blood cells. The purpose of our study was to analyze the quantity and subpopulations of activated lymphocytes in peripheral blood in patients with psoriasis preceded by an infection and in a control group.
Material/Methods: Thirty-two patients with psoriasis induced by an infection and twenty-two healthy controls were examined. The T lymphocytes in peripheral blood were examined by means of flow cytometry, using panels of monoclonal antibodies. Expression was estimated by reference to the fluorescence intensity of the surface antigens studied.
Results: A decreased percentage of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+-bearing IL-6 receptor cells, a decreased expression of CD3, CD19, and CD4 antigens, and a significantly increased percentage of CD45RO+CD4+ were found in the studied subpopulation of lymphocytes.
Conclusions: Our research demonstrated changes in the percentage and expression of certain subpopulations of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood in the course of psoriasis preceded by a bacterial infection, which suggests not only local, but also systemic activation of the immune system.

Keywords: psoriasis preceded by an infection, Blood, Lymphocytes