[Use of immunologic tests in periodic preventive examinations of workers involved in benzidine production]

In 95 workers engaged in benzidine production the results of the cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity response to the injection of tissue embryonal antigen were studied, 76 of them were additionally examined for application of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Studies on the state of the immune response of the workers' organism were conducted in association with clinical and cytoscopic findings. The immunological tests applied during prophylactic examinations revealed, according to objective signs, a group of persons with immunological defects. And just in this group pretumor conditions and occupational vesical tumors were detected. The results of the authors' observations made it possible to recommend an application of the tests reflecting the state of cell immunity, to determine immunological defects in such workers as adjuvant methods for periodic prophylactic examinations.