Gastrointestinal permeability has been studied in a group of clinically proven food-allergic eczematous children and compared with a control group using lactulose and L-rhamnose as probe markers. No significant difference was demonstrated in baseline permeability measurements between eczematous and control children using isotonic or hypertonic oral loading. Similarly after antigen-challenge permeability results showed no significant difference from the controls although two of the ten eczematous children challenged showed increased permeability to lactulose. These findings support the hypothesis that once sensitized the physiological absorption of dietary antigen may be sufficient to maintain an allergic response in the skin.

and conclusions Three cases of cross-infection after smallpox vaccination are described, in two of which the outcome was fatal. Probably all occurred because simple precautions were not observed at the time of vaccination-for example, exclusion of contraindications and warnings about risks. If those countries still requiring evidence of vaccination for entry were to abolish this rule, however, the risk of cross-infection could be eliminated. Vaccinating a person with contraindications is justified only when exposure to smallpox has occurred.