[Nature of the human immune response to exposure to protein-producing microorganisms].

The influence of the live culture and dried biomass of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida on the characteristics of immune response in 1094 persons exposed to different concentrations of these fungi was studied. The subjects developed sensitization, manifested by immediate and cellular hypersensitivity reactions, as well as by disturbances in T-dependent and humoral immunity. The pattern of the detected changes depended on the concentration of the active factors and on the systemic condition of the subjects. Live fungal cells showed higher antigenic potency and were conducive to the development of allergic symptoms.