ELISA-determined serological reactivity against purified trichophytin in dermatophytosis

Serological activity in 62 patients wih dermatophytosis was investigated using purified trichophytin preparation as antigen (produced by the ethylene glycol method). Antibodies of IgG and IgM classes were determined by means of ef enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In comparison with 79 controls consisting of groups of healthy blood donors and dermatological outpatients, the dermatophyte-infected patients showed a significantly higher mean IgG response to trichophytin antigen preparation. On the other hand several individual cases were low responders. In a group of 10 control children, no IgG activity against trichophytin could be demonstrated. IgM class antibodies showed no significant differences between the groups investigated. These findings indicate that differences in the amounts of antibodies of IgG class against trichophytin as measured by the ELISA method reflect differences in the degree of mycotic sensitization between groups of individuals having experienced varying degrees of exposure to dermatophytes. Nevertheless, the determination of IgG antibodies in dermatophytosis seems to be of limited clinical value.