“…Deficiency in T cells was more pronounced in certain subsets of T lym phocytes. In fact, no significant modifica tion of helper responsiveness has been found, while many data suggest the pres ence of a relative, selective suppressor Tcell deficiency in atopic patients with high serum levels of immunoglobulin E [Canonica et al, 1979;Bruno et al, 1983;Faure et al, 1982;Chandra and Baker, 1983;Kesarwala et al, 1984], Moreover, a signi ficant reduction in NK-cell activity has been shown in patients with atopic derma titis [Lever et al, 1984], Obviously, defects in the host defense system may predispose to greater than normal susceptibility to bacterial, viral and mycotic infections [Rosen et al, 1984], Conflicting results have been reported about the susceptibility of atopic patients to infections. It is well known that patients with severe atopic dermatitis [Jones et al, 1973;Hanifin and Lobitz, 1977;Minor et al, 1974] and atopic children less than 1 year of age frequently suffer from serious and recurrent infections.…”