An open study to assess the efficacy clinically and immunologically of M. vaccae vaccine in patients with atopic dermatitis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess clinical and immunological changes in a group of atopic dermatitis patients treated with Mycobacterium vaccae (M. vaccae).


METHODS
In an open, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical observer-blinded trial, 20 patients with moderately severe to severe atopic dermatitis were treated with two subcutaneous M. vaccae injections 3 months apart. Clinical scoring and total serum IgE estimation were performed at the start, during and 3 months after the end of the study.


RESULTS
Modest clinical improvement was seen in the patients after M. vaccae immunotherapy. There was no significant change in patients' total serum IgE levels.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has shown limited improvement clinically in a group of patients with atopic dermatitis treated with two M. vaccae injections. It is suggested that further trials using four to six injections would produce much greater benefit.
Davies
Michael G
MG
Department of Dermatology, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK. pauline.slater@phnt.swest.nhs.uk
Symons
Christine
C
Shaw
Stephen
S
Kaminski
Eduardo R
ER
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000276:immunology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D007073:Immunoglobulin E