Pediatric case series evaluating a standardized Candida albicans skin test product.

BACKGROUND

A ready-to-use, standardized Candida albicans skin test product (Candin) first became available in 1995. As of April 6, 2004, no published reports have been found describing efficacy or safety with pediatric use of this reagent.

OBJECTIVE

To present a case series describing experience with use of Candin to assess 78 pediatric cases for delayed-type hypersensitivity.

METHODS

The standardized C. albicans reagent was one of up to 4 antigens used to evaluate patients' cellular immunity. Candin was used with purified protein derivative tuberculosis testing for 76 patients (4 mo-16 y of age) and for anergy testing alone in 2 cases. Candin was used with at least one other skin test reagent for 24 subjects.

RESULTS

Fifty-three of 78 subjects (68%) responded to at least one skin test antigen. Candin had an overall response rate of 64% (50/78). There was a response to Candin in 54% (13/24) of subjects with multiple reagents applied, the highest rate of any antigen used. There was a 27% (3/11) positive Candin response for subjects <1 year of age; this compared with 21% and 23% in 2 published reports on use of nonstandardized tests for this age group. No adverse events were associated with use of Candin.

CONCLUSIONS

Candin testing gives similar or better response rates compared with published data on older, nonstandardized C. albicans reagents and other anergy test antigens used in this case series. It should be used in combination with multiple other control antigens to most effectively assess for anergy, particularly in infants, as well as in patients recognized to be immune deficient.