A case of mosquito allergy. Immunological studies

A girl aged 14 years, who showed local skin lesions and generalized reactions such as fever, hepatosplenomegaly, hypergammaglobulinaemia and pancytopenia following mosquito bites, has been evaluated with various immunological methods. The intracutaneous tests, P-K tests and RAST confirmed the presence of specific IgE antibody against mosquito antigens, but no precipitating antibody was detected by either the double immunodiffusion or immunofluorescent antibody techniques. As far as the type IV reaction is concerned, the skin test failed to show a positive delayed skin reaction, but the lymphocyte incorporation of 3H-TdR exhibited a maximal response with smaller doses than the controls.