[Specific experimental therapy in sensitization to group A streptococci].

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Allergology

Background:

• Delayed hypersensitivity is a critical immune response.
• Streptococcus hemolyticus (Group A) is a significant pathogen.
• Understanding the kinetics and modulation of this hypersensitivity is crucial for therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an animal model for delayed hypersensitivity to Streptococcus hemolyticus.
• To investigate the temporal dynamics of immuno-allergic reactivity.
• To evaluate the efficacy of specific hyposensitization using different streptococcal allergen preparations.

Main Methods:

• Development of a delayed hypersensitivity model in guinea pigs and rabbits.
• Long-term skin testing to assess reactivity duration.
• Administration of various streptococcal allergens (corpuscular, ultrasonically lysed, Ando-Verzhikovsky) for hyposensitization studies.

Main Results:

• Delayed hypersensitivity developed within one month and persisted for over six months.
• The hypersensitivity component manifested significantly between 2.5 to 3 months post-sensitization.
• The Ando-Verzhikovsky allergen demonstrated the most potent hyposensitizing effects, particularly with long-term, threshold-dose intracutaneous injections.

Conclusions:

• A reliable animal model for studying delayed hypersensitivity to Streptococcus hemolyticus was established.
• Specific hyposensitization is feasible and most effective with particular allergen preparations and administration routes.
• Intracutaneous injections of threshold doses of the Ando-Verzhikovsky allergen represent a promising approach for hyposensitization.