HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Plotz, C. H. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Plotz, C. H.

Allergenic and Anaphylactogenic Properties of Vaccines Prepared from Embryonic Tissues of Developing Chicks¹

I. Skin-Sensitivity Following the Subcutaneous Inoculation of Typhusvaccines in Man

From the Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Army Medical School, Army Medical Center, Washington 12, D. C., and the United States of America Typhus Commission, War Department, Washington 25, D. C.

Abstract

1. Only one of 180 normal adults skin-tested with typhus-vaccines, egg-white or egg-yolk showed evidence of skin-sensitivity to the three antigens. This individual when subsequently inoculated subcutaneously with typhus-vaccine developed no systemic reaction.

2. Of 150 adults receiving three subcutaneous doses of typhus-vaccine, four individuals developed skin-sensitivity to the whole typhus-vaccine alone, four to both egg-yolk and typhus-vaccine, one to both egg-yolk and egg-white and one to egg-yolk, egg-white and typhus-vaccine. None of these subjects developed a general reaction when subsequently inoculated with typhus-vaccine.

3. In spite of the fact that many millions of soldiers have received egg-embryo vaccines, the number of severe reactions known to have occurred following their use has been minimal. Some severe reactions have occurred however when vaccines were administered to egg-sensitive individuals. The risk is probably greater in children, in which group more egg-sensitive individuals may be encountered. It is considered advisable therefore to be cautious in the administration of egg-vaccines to allergic or egg-sensitive individuals. The use of concentrated washed rickettsial suspensions which are relatively free of egg-antigens could be used as vaccine in these cases.

Footnotes

¹ Joint investigation initiated by the Division of Viral and rickettsial Diseases, Army Medical School. The original report was made to the Surgeon General on 19 January 1944. The publications in the present form were condensed from the original report, certain additions being made to bring the subject up to date.

² Member, United States of America Typhus Commission. Colonel, MC., AUS, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Army Medical School.