A Clinical, Mycological, and Immunological Survey for Dermatophytosis

Abstract

Of 180 subjects, 35 (19%) fulfilled two of the following three criteria: clinical history, physical signs, positive culture. They were classified as chronically infected with dermatophytic fungi. The technique and interpretation of skin testing with a purified trichophytin is discussed. Fifty-seven percent of the subjects manifested delayed sensitivity (DS) only, 14% immediate sensitivity (IS), and the remaining 29% were nonreactive. In 93% of subjects manifesting only DS, there was an apparent clinical immunity to reinfection. Of the 35 subjects chronically infected, DS only was present in seven, no DS in 16 (nine manifested IS), and IS and DS coexisted in 12. These data suggest that DS is a correlate of immunity, whereas lack of DS or coextistent IS is associated with susceptibility to chronic tinea infections.