Cell-mediated immune response to antirabies vaccine in man

Specific cell-mediated immunity was demonstrated in three healthy volunteers submitted to antirabies vaccination with the Fuenzalida & Palacios vaccine. Evaluation of the immunological response was carried out by both "in vitro" (leucocyte migration inhibition) and "in vivo" (cutaneous tests) methods. "In vitro" tests were positive from days 15 to 30 after the onset of vaccination while the skin tests became positive earlier and remained so until day 28, when the last tests were carried out. Biopsies performed at the site of positive cutaneous tests, 24 and 48 hours after antigen inoculation, showed histological pictures compactible with simultaneous humoral and cellular responses and typical delayed hypersensitivity, respectively. The possibility of using a skin tests for monitoring the immune response during or after antirabies vaccination is discussed.