Immunohistological characterization of the cellular infiltrate in dermatophytosis

The local cell composition of skin infections caused by Trichophyton rubrum (13 cases) and Microsporum canis (2 cases) was examined using monoclonal antibodies and the ABC immunoperoxidase technique. The number of Langerhans cells increased both in the epithelium and in the dermis of the mycotic area. Apart from these, only T cells were found in the dermis, among which helper cells were predominant. The helper/suppressor ratio showed variations depending upon the pathogen.