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Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis: Model-Building in Cellular Immunity
Abstract
Infection with Candida albicans develops in diverse clinical settings. It may be minimal or life-threatening in severity, depending on the site of infection and clinical circumstance. Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is an uncommon superficial infection of the skin, nails, and oral and vaginal mucous membranes, and is often associated with defects in cellular immune function. Untreated, the course is usually unremitting. Intravenous amphotericin B often results in regression or clearing of infection, but relapse generally occurs after discontinuation of therapy. Twelve patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis have been studied at the National Institutes of Health. Specific defects in cellular immunity have been characterized in eight of these patients. Cutaneous anergy to candida antigens has been associated with defective lymphocyte function in vitro. Temporary modification of cellular immune function in one case was associated with partial clearing of skin lesions. Experience with reconstitution of defects in cellular immunity to date is reviewed here to provide guidelines for future efforts.
Article and Author Information
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*Head, Section of Clinical Allergy and Hypersensitivity, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
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▸An edited transcription of a Combined Clinical Staff Conference at the Clinical Center, Bethesda, Md., by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Charles H. Kirkpatrick, M.D., Head, Clinical Allergy and Hypersensitivity Section, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bldg. 10, Rm. 11-B-13, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. 20014
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- Received March 10, 1971.
- Accepted March 3, 1971.
