Immunology of Mycotic Infections

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Abstract
Relatively little is known about various factors involved in natural resistance or acquired immunity in mycotic diseases. Differences in susceptibility to infection by certain dermatophytes are well recognized, but the relation of these differences to acquired immunity is not clear. Similarly, circulating antibodies may be found in certain human beings and animals with "deep" mycoses but the presence of antibodies may not be associated with ability to resist or control infection. The immunologic mechanisms in hosts infected by fungi are similar to those observed in other infectious diseases, particularly the chronic bacterial infections. In general, however, the fungi seem to be less antigenic, inasmuch as circulating antibody titers, as measured by serologic methods, are usually lower than those encountered in most of the bacterial diseases. On the other hand, cutaneous hypersensitivity is an almost constant feature in several of the mycotic infections. With the exception of the preparation of certain antigens, the technical procedures used in studying the immunology of mycotic infections are essentially the same as those used in the study of other infectious diseases. When interpreted properly, the results of cutaneous sensitivity and serologic tests are useful in establishing diagnosis, planning treatment and predicting the course of mycotic infections. Applying the principles of immunology as they relate'' to several of the systemic ("deep") mycoses, skin tests and serologic techniques are discussed and evaluated, with particular reference to those aspects of interest to clinical pathologists.

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