HISTOPLASMIN SENSITIVITY OF YOUNG MEN IN ALASKA, HAWAII, THE PHILIPPINES AND PUERTO RICO

The author describes results of a continuing study of skin sensitivity to histoplasmin among United States Navy recruits from Alaska, Hawaii, the Philippine Islands and Puerto Rico. For comparison, material is also included for several groups of recruits from different states of mainland United States.The evidence is interpreted as indicating that the frequent large reactions in Puerto Rican and Filipino recruits represent specific infection with Histoplasma, whereas the small reactions in recruits from Hawaii and the Philippines represent cross-reactions due to sensitization with a presently unknown agent or agents.