Comparison of Candida-Delayed Hypersensitivity Skin Test Size with Lymphocyte Transformation, Migration Inhibitory Factor Production and Antibody Titer

Abstract

There is conflicting evidence concerning the correlation of <i>in vitro </i>lymphocyte transformation (LT) with migration inhibitory factor (MIF) production, <i>in vivo </i>delayed hypersensitivity and antibody formation. In the present study, both normal controls and patients with mucocutaneous candidiasis were assessed for delayed (cell-mediated) hypersensitivity to Candida antigen by skin testing, antigen-induced LT and MIF production. Specific anti-Candida-precipitating antibody levels were determined by counterimmunoelectrophoresis. A significant correlation (p < 0.001) was observed between the size of the skin reaction and the level of Candida <i>in vitro </i>lymphocyte stimulation. Although there was positive qualitative correlation between both delayed skin reaction size and LT compared to MIF production, no significant quantitative correlation with MIF production was observed.