Delayed hypersensitivity skin testing in the Thai adult population

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell-mediated immunity assessment

Background:

• Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin testing is a key method for evaluating cell-mediated immunity.
• Standardized antigen concentrations are crucial for reliable DTH test results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine optimal antigen types and concentrations for DTH skin testing in healthy Thai subjects.
• To assess the efficacy of standard antigens in evaluating T-cell function.

Main Methods:

• 100 healthy Thai subjects participated in the study.
• Subjects were tested with tuberculin (purified protein derivative), tetanus toxoid, and Candida albicans at varying dilutions (1:10 and 1:100).

Main Results:

• A high response rate (92%) was observed for tuberculin and/or tetanus toxoid at a 1:10 dilution.
• Tetanus toxoid at 1:10 dilution elicited a response in 77% of subjects, while 35% responded to a 1:100 dilution.
• Candida albicans showed minimal reactivity (1/100 subjects at 1:10 dilution, none at 1:100).

Conclusions:

• Tuberculin and tetanus toxoid at a 1:10 dilution appear sufficient for DTH skin testing.
• These antigens effectively evaluate T-cell function in the studied population.