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Delayed hypersensitivity to tuberculin and other antigens in a hospital population


RS Walls

Abstract

Delayed hypersensitivity is a valuable index of cellular immune function, provided that the incidence of positive readions in the population is known. One hundred and sixty-two hospital patients were examined, using tuberculin (PPD), streptokinase and antigens derived from Candida albicans and mumps. Whereas 75% of the group responded to Candida, 61,2% to mumps and 69,3% to streptokinase, only 30,8% showed positive Mantoux reactions. Elderly patients showed fewer reactions, but these were of similar size. 

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 2073 (1974).

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574