Reversion of the downhill course of active lepromatous leprosy by repeated transfusions of fresh blood, donated by healthy but lepromin positive patients.

Abstract

Earlier studies of immunologic reconstitution therapy of active lepromatous leprosy patients by repeated infusions of viable allogeneic blood lymphocytes indicated a beneficial effect. In order to avoid cell separation and its associated risks, we attempted to transfer immunity passively into seven seriously ill lepromatous patients by repeated transfusions of fresh blood donated by healthy, but tuberculin and lepromin positive, subjects. The results showed clinical improvement in some cases with the elimination of Mycobacterium leprae, histological reversion and return of immunologic responsiveness.