Allergy/Immunology

Answer 5 DHST with candida antigen. DHST can be readily available in any office setting for evaluation of in vivo cell-mediated immune function. Most commonly used antigens are candida, tetanus toxoid, mumps, and trichophyton. The choice of antigens for any particular patient depends on a probable previous sensitization (ie, immunization, natural infection, environmental exposure). The nitroblue tetrazolium test is used to evaluate phagocytic oxidative metabolism. Boyden chamber is an in vivo test of neutrophil chemotaxis. The test for antibodies to isohemagglutinins and H. influenzae measures the ability to produce functional antibodies to polysaccharide antigens. T- and B-cell enumeration tests are useful in conditions associated with low percentage of T cells or T-cell subsets. SUGGESTED READINGS 1. Bonilla FA, Geha RS. 12. Primary immunodeficiency diseases [published erratum appears in J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;112:267]. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;111(2 Suppl):S571-81. 2. Mouthon L, Lortholary O. Intravenous immunoglobulins in infectious diseases: where do we stand? Clin Microbiol Infect 2003;9:333-8. 3. Tangsinmankong N, Bahna SL, Good RA. The immunologic workup of the child suspected of immunodeficiency. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2001;87:362-9. Click here to return to the questions

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