Intradermal testing with multiple recall antigens for identification of cell-mediated immune deficiency in homosexual men.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1987. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Intradermal testing with multiple recall antigens for identification of cell-mediated immune deficiency in homosexual men.

Clin Immunol Immunopathol. 1986 Nov;41(2):206-15. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/87028794
Bratt G; von Krogh G; Moberg L; Karlsson A; Putkonen PO; Biberfeld G; Bottiger M; Sandstrom E

Abstract: In a health screening project for gay men in Stockholm, delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity was tested in 710 men by a commercial kit (Multitest, Merieux) containing seven recall antigens and related to past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, various life style factors, the lymphadenopathy syndrome (LAS), and antibodies to human T-lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III). The multiscore (MS: the sum of all positive reactions) was significantly decreased in men with the following characteristics: HBV markers, greater than 50 yearly sexual partners, regular practice of receptive rectal intercourse, regular sex in gay bathhouses, recent sexual encounters in the US, greater than 50 lifetime exposures to inhaled nitrates, LAS, and positive HTLV-III serology. Anergy to tuberculin (TU) but not to any other antigen was more common in men with greater than 20 yearly partners, regular practice of receptive rectal intercourse, exposure to inhalant nitrates, LAS as well as lesser degree of lymphadenopathy, and HTLV-III seropositivity. HTLV-III antibodies were demonstrated in 61 of 416 (14.7%) men. During the 2-year follow-up four men have developed acquired immune deficiency syndrome. All four had MS less than 10 mm and TU anergy. In a BCG-immunized population Multitest only adds marginal information as compared to intradermal testing solely with TU, but may yield prognostic information in evaluating HTLV-III positive individuals with respect to development of manifest AIDS.

Keywords: Antigens, Viral/ANALYSIS AIDS-Related Complex/IMMUNOLOGY Hepatitis B Antigens/ANALYSIS *Homosexuality Human HIV/*IMMUNOLOGY *Immunity, Cellular Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/*DIAGNOSIS Immunologic Memory Male Reagent Kits, Diagnostic Skin Tests Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Tuberculin/IMMUNOLOGY JOURNAL ARTICLE

870228
M8720178

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1987. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1987. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .