We have taken advantage of the temporary exposure of Marseilles population to castor bean seed proteins to follow 26 allergic patients more than 20 years after sensitization. Skin tests, specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody assays, and specific immunoblots were performed. Skin test reactivity to Ricinus Communis and specific IgE concentrations decreased progressively and almost completely disappeared after 20 years.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn an attempt to determine the prevalence of various skin infections in the homeless population in Marseilles, France, we undertook a case control study. Cases were recruited among institutionalized homeless subjects during two snapshot investigations conducted in January 2002 and 2003 respectively. The control subjects were recruited from among those who presented at a clinic for pre-travel advice.
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