Skin Of Normal Individuals Research Articles

Letters to the Editor

In response to Doctor Kozinn's thoughtful letter, may I say at once that his latter point is entirely well taken; nystatin is considered specific rather than "nonspecific," a typographical error which should be rectified in future editions. As to the source of Candida, the Report states that p. 55) "yeastlike fungi are frequently found in intestinal tract, vagina, and skin of normal individuals." The skin ought not be singled out. In any of these three anatomic sites Candida may result in symptoms and signs. It was not intended to dismiss C. albicans as a common saprophyte. The Committee appreciates comments and criticism of its brief Report.

Candida Albicans

In view of the increasingly authoritative nature of the Report of the Committee on the Control of Infectious Diseases, issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, we would like to call attention to certain ambiguities in the 1961 report, notably in connection with the etiology and therapy of candidiasis. On page 55 (Candidiasis: Etiology and Epidemiology: Source) it is stated that "yeastlike fungi are frequently found in . . . the skin of normal individuals." This statement implies that Candida albicans is one of the saprophytic yeastlike fungi. Careful investigative work by various authors (Benham and Hopkins: Arch. Derm. Syph., 28:532, 1933; Winter, W. D.: Yearbook of Pediatrics, 1954/55, Yr. Bk. Pub., 1955, p. 355; Marwin, R. M. J.: J. invest.

Studies on the standardization of the intradermal test for the diagnosis of bilharziasis.

Summary Intradermal tests conducted in Brazil were made with antigens prepared in the United States from schistosome material collected in Puerto Rico and with antigens obtained and prepared in Brazil. No significant difference in activity was noted when the nitrogen content of the antigens was adjusted to the same levels. Tests indicate that the skin test is not very sensitive in detecting infections in children below 5 years of age, that girls are less reactive than boys, and women less reactive than men. Tests were performed on both the arm and the back and the back was found to be the more sensitive site for skin testing. Women and girls were skin tested in the scapular region near the neck above the dressline. Reactions on the back in women are equal to those on the arm in men. Adult males can be tested on the arm but for maximum sensitivity all other individuals should be tested on the back. A dose of 0.05 ml of antigen containing 20 to 40 µg N/ml, injected intracutaneously with a 27-gauge needle, is recommended. The test is read after 15 minutes by measuring the area of the wheal. Areas of 1.0 cm2 or greater are considered positive tests. The antigen recommended is an adult worm extract. Further research is needed to eliminate nonspecific reactions of the antigen in the skin of normal individuals.

Investigations into the Pharmacology of Skin Fats and Ointments. IV. Investigations into the Composition of the Lipids on the Skin of Normal Individuals.

Investigations into the Pharmacology of Skin Fats and Ointments. IV. Investigations into the Composition of the Lipids on the Skin of Normal Individuals.