Screening for delayed-hypersensitivity in Italian children: multicentric study by multitest skin testing.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pediatrics
• Dermatology

Background:

• The Multitest skin test enables simultaneous intradermal application of seven recall antigens.
• A scoring system differentiates normal from diminished delayed hypersensitivity (DH).

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and size of DH responses to specific antigens in relation to age and sex.
• To analyze DH reactivity patterns in healthy Italian children.

Main Methods:

• A multicentric study involved 491 healthy Italian children (4 months to 16 years).
• The Multitest skin test was administered intradermally with seven standardized antigens.
• Responses were read using a scoring system to assess DH.

Main Results:

• DH reactivity, measured by score and number of positive responses, increased significantly with age in both sexes.
• The overall incidence of anergy was 8.8%, decreasing significantly with age.
• Highest positive responses were observed for tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, followed by Candida, Proteus, and Streptococcus; tuberculin and Trichophyton showed the lowest incidence.
• No significant sex-based differences in antigen-specific response incidence were found.

Conclusions:

• Age is a significant factor influencing DH responses and anergy incidence in children.
• Specific recall antigens exhibit varying reactivity patterns in the pediatric population.
• The Multitest skin test is a reliable tool for assessing DH in children.