Cell-mediated immunity in schoolchildren assessed by multitest skin testing. Normal values and proposed scoring system for healthy children
R. N. Corriel, W. T. Kniker, J. L. McBryde and B. M. Lesourd
Measurement of cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to a battery
of ubiquitous antigens is an accepted means of assessing cell-mediated
immunity (CMI). The recently introduced Multitest CMI system consists of a
plastic multiple puncture device that simultaneously applies seven
standardized recall antigens in a reproducible manner. A representative
population of 448 healthy US schoolchildren was tested to determine
incidence and size of DTH responses to each of the seven antigens. All
responded to one or more antigens, the number and size of reactions
generally increasing with age. Incidence of positive DTH tests was highest
for tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, intermediate for streptococcal,
Candida, and Proteus antigens, and lowest for tuberculin and Trichophyton
antigens. These normal values, related to age and sex, can be a foundation
for immunologic evaluation and are the basis of a proposed scoring system
that distinguishes between normal DTH reactivity and diminished
responsiveness.
