Delayed hypersensitivity to mumps antigen in humans.

Sixty-one subjects, preselected for mumps sensitivity, were entered into a double-blind protocol to standardize Mumps Skin Test Antigen. Four lots of mumps antigen selected on the basis of in vitro potency tests were used. Four other antigens, Histoplasmin, Dermatophytin-O, Dermatophytin, and fluid tetanus toxoid were also tested; positive reactions for these four antigens occurred in 48, 68, 25, and 43% of individuals, respectively. The mumps lots exhibited delayed hypersensitivity with positivity ranging from 63 to 67% at 20 CFU/ml and 77 to 84% at 80 CFU/ml in the acceptable lots. Side effects were primarily local and minor in nature. Mumps Skin Test Antigen is a useful measure of the integrity of the immune system, but lacks complete specificity because of local dermal factors.