Gender differences in response to the multitest CMI skin test in the general population.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies of gender differences in response to the Multitest CMI skin test have produced conflicting results.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether gender is associated with response to the Multitest CMI skin test.


METHODS
Two-hundred ninety-seven adults, aged 18 to 64 years, recruited originally for a study of the immune effects associated with living near a hazardous waste site containing primarily organochlorine pesticides, underwent a skin test using the Multitest CMI skin test. Six of seven antigens were tested: tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid, Candida, Tricophyton, Streptococcus, and Proteus. The tuberculin antigen was excluded. Lymphocyte function was also evaluated in vitro using standardized methods of mitogen stimulation with phytohemaglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (CON-A), and pokeweed mitogen.


RESULTS
The frequency of positive responses to the skin tests was significantly (P < .001) higher among males (80.4%) than among females (55.7%). Males were more likely than females to respond to all six antigens tested (P < .05). The mean diameter of positive skin test measurements for males statistically significantly (P < .05) exceeded female responses for tetanus and diphtheria. Although not statistically significant, male response size exceeded that of females for all other antigens except Trycophyton. Controlling for age, race, smoking, income, and plasma DDE levels did not change these results. Skin test positivity was not associated with mitogen stimulation assay results overall or within gender groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant gender differences in response to the Multitest CMI skin test could limit its use as a marker of anergy in general population studies.
Vine
M F
MF
Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
Stein
L
L
Weigle
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012882:Skin Tests
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000946:Antigens, Fungal