An Escherichia coli antigen intracutaneous test to assess cell-mediated immunity in cancer patients

ABSTRACT

Seventy-six female cancer patients were submitted to intracutaneous tests with an Escherichia coli suspension to assess cellular immune response in vivo. Statistical analysis of the results showed that intradermally applied Escherichia coli antigen provided a useful test for discriminating between a normal population and cancer patients, and between local and disseminated disease. The Escherichia coli suspension is easy to prepare and no side effects were observed