Use of tetanus toxoid for testing cell-mediated immunity

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) is a key indicator of cell-mediated immunity.
• Standard skin test antigens are used to diagnose immunodeficiencies, but alternative recall antigens are being explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate tetanus toxoid as a skin test antigen for measuring DTH.
• To compare the efficacy of tetanus toxoid with Candida albicans antigen in healthy and immunodeficient individuals.

Main Methods:

• Intradermal injections of aqueous tetanus toxoid and Candida albicans extract were administered.
• Responses were assessed in 50 healthy adults and 10 adults with immunodeficiency.

Main Results:

• Previously immunized healthy adults showed significant DTH responses to tetanus toxoid (79%) and Candida albicans (79%).
• Non-immunized healthy subjects reacted to Candida albicans but not tetanus toxoid.
• Immunodeficient adults, previously responsive to other antigens, were anergic to both tetanus toxoid and Candida albicans.

Conclusions:

• Tetanus toxoid serves as a sensitive and advantageous recall antigen for DTH testing in previously immunized individuals.
• It offers benefits over standard antigens, including a low side-effect profile and a potential boost in serum antibody levels.