Candidin in immediate hypersensitivity. Comparison of two antigens

One hundred outpatients in a Clinic of Allergy were submitted to intradermic tests with two types of candidins. The main focus of the research was the comparison of two antigens obtained from the same strains of Candida albicans: one a suspension of yeast cells and the other, a polysaccharide. The readings, taken 20 minutes after the intradermic injections, with positive results were considered as hypersensitivity of the immediate type. Positive results were obtained in 74% of the patients with the yeast cell antigen and in 73% with the polysaccharide antigen. This research mainly deals with the advantages that can be obtained by using the polysaccharide antigen in intradermic tests for evaluating hypersensitivity of the immediate type.