Delayed hypersensitivity skin testing in the Thai adult population

Abstract

Objective: The present study was carried out in healthy Thai subjects to determine the types and concentrations of standard antigens used in delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin testing as an evaluation of cell-mediated immunity. Material and Method: One hundred subjects were tested with three antigens including tuberculin (purified protein derivative), tetanus toxoid, 1:10 and 1:100 dilutions, and Candida albicans, 1:10 and 1:100 dilutions. Results: We found that 92% of the subjects responded to tuberculin and/or tetanus toxoid at a 1:10 dilution, 77% responded to tetanus toxoid at a 1:10 dilution, and 35% responded to a 1:100 dilution. There was only one subject who responded to Candida albicans at a 1:10 dilution, and none to a 1:100 dilution. The size of tuberculin reactions varied from 5 mm to over 20 mm without any evidence of active tuberculosis. Conclusion: Tuberculin and tetanus toxoid at a 1:10 dilution are probably sufficient to be used in DTH skin testing to evaluate T-cell function.