Delayed-type allergenicity of triforine (Saprol).

The delayed-type allergenicity of triforine (Saprol), 1,4-bis (2,2,2-trichloro-1-formamidoethyl) piperazine, was studied. In a mass examination of chrysanthemum growers among whom triforine was commonly used, the highest rate of positive patch test reaction was seen to triforine (17%) among the 7 pesticides and chrysanthemum extracts tested. A higher prevalence rate of work-related skin symptoms was seen in subjects with a positive patch test reaction to triforine (44%) than in those with negative reactions to all allergens tested (15%) (p < 0.05). 12 subjects (67%) with positive patch test reactions to triforine were also positive to dichlorvos (DDVP), with a high kappa coefficient (0.65). The grading of guinea pig maximization test to triforine was grade IV (66%), defined as "strong". Cross-sensitization between triforine and dichlorvos was also shown. The present results confirm that triforine is capable of including delayed-type allergy among chrysanthemum growers and of showing cross-reactivity with dichlorvos.