[Diagnosis of normal and abnormal delayed hypersensitivity to Candida albicans. Importance of evaluating lymphocyte activation by flow cytometry]. / Diagnostic de l'hypersensibilité de type retardé normale et anormale à Candida albicans--intérêt de l'évaluation de l'activation lymphocytaire en cytométrie en flux.

ABSTRACT

Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) to Candida albicans is commonly observed in human. Abnormal DTH has already been described but its diagnosis is difficult to ascertain. We present now a clinical and biological study in 60 patients with a clear distinction between these two kind of Candida albicans DTH. Clinical abnormal Candida albicans DTH was characterized by a syndromic reaction 24 to 48 hours after intradermal injection. This reaction was characterized by an exacerbation of clinical symptoms. In vitro, activation of whole blood with Candida albicans antigen was detected by using flow cytometry after staining for activating markers. CD 25 positive T cells were detected in a 7 days culture in all patients. Percentage of CD 25 positive T cells was correlated to the intensity of the local cutaneous DTH reaction. CD 69 positive T cells were detected after a one day culture only in patient who presented a syndromic reaction to intradermal injection.