Humoral antibodies in dermatophytosis--factors affecting the antibody response in Trichophyton rubrum infections.

This investigation demonstrates the presence of specific antibodies to human infection by the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. Out of 152 patients investigated, precipitating and complement fixing antibodies were demonstrated in 54%. Complement fixing titres of 8 and over and one or more precipitin bands were considered of diagnostic significance. The anatomical site, extent, nature and duration of the infection all played a part in determining the presence of detectable circulating antibodies. Precipitating antibodies appeared early in the course of the infective process and complement fixing antibodies were detected later on.