Diagnostic tests in the skin and serum of workers sensitized to Bacillus subtilis enzymes*†‡

Abstract

Two allergen pools of commercial detergent enzymes were prepared as skin test reagents: (1) Carlsberg type, composed of three products containing subtilopeptidase A, and (2) BPN type, composed of two products containing subtilopeptidase B and α‐amylase. In 100 non‐exposed controls a reaction suggesting primary irritancy was found at protein concentrations greater than 1 μg/ml intradermally or 1 mg/ml by prick test. Intradermally at 10 μg/ml weals were accompanied by less pronounced flare reactions than observed in specifically sensitized enzyme workers. At 100 μg/ml the reactions were like strong specific reactions. False positive prick test reactions occurred irregularly at 10 mg/ml. In 100 sensitized enzyme workers, reactions were elicited at concentrations from 1.0 to 10^‐5μg/ml intradermally and from 1000 to 1 μg by prick test. Intradermal and prick tests correlated well (r_s= 0.84, PPB. subtilis enzyme sensitive patients. A clear distinction between primary irritant reactions and true sensitization was made on the basis of the concentration required to elicit a reaction.