Specific cell-mediated immunity in the laboratory diagnosis of dermatophytic infections.

The leukocyte adherence inhibition test was used to detect cell-mediated immunity against antigens of the infecting fungi in patients with dermatophytosis. The species-specific diagnosis thus obtained was in all cases consistent with the eventual results of mycological examination. Most of the patients also produced a specific circulating blocking factor, the detection of which may be a useful guide to the success of treatment. Immunological reactivity against Candida albicans was also observed.