In situ characterization of cell infiltrates in the dermis of human scabies.

Cell infiltrates in the dermis of biopsy specimens from skin lesions of seven patients with scabies were characterized by receptors for sheep erythrocytes (T-lymphocytes), Fc C3b (macrophages and B-lymphocytes) and C3d receptors (B-lymphocytes) using hemadsorption to cryostat sections in closed chamber. T-lymphocytes were also identified using an indirect immunofluorescence technique with rabbit anti-T-lymphocyte serum. All sections showed perivascular mononuclear cell infiltrates in the dermis as judged by sections stained by hematoxylin and eosin. T-lymphocytes were the predominant cells in the infiltrates. Fewer macrophages and very few B-lymphocytes were detected. Cell-mediated immune response may be of importance in the pathogenesis of scabies.