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Delayed hypersensitivity skin testing for assessing anergy in the mid-south.
Southern Medical Journal
|April 11, 1976
Summary
Skin testing reveals high reactivity to common antigens in the Mid-South. Recommended antigen panels for assessing anergy include histoplasmin, mumps, and purified protein derivative (PPD).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Delayed hypersensitivity is commonly assessed via skin testing.
- Geographic variations in skin test reactivity are not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate skin test reactivity to ubiquitous antigens in the Mid-South region.
- To establish optimal antigen panels for anergy assessment in this locale.
Main Methods:
- Skin tests were administered to 82 hospitalized patients and 68 healthy controls.
- Six antigens were used: histoplasmin, mumps, purified protein derivative (PPD), Candida, Trichophyton, and streptokinase-streptodornase.
Main Results:
- 95% of controls and 79% of hospitalized patients reacted to at least one antigen.
- High anergy rates were observed in debilitated/malnourished patients.
- Reactivity increased with higher antigen concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Skin test reactivity is generally high in the Mid-South.
- Recommended initial antigens for anergy testing: histoplasmin, mumps, and PPD.
- If negative, follow up with streptokinase-streptodornase and Candida albicans antigens.