The immune response in two populations of wild badgers naturally infected with bovine tubercle bacilli

摘要: Abstract This study describes the immune responses of two defined badger populations; one from East Sussex and another Staffordshire. The mean in vitro lymphoproliferative response, all infected badgers both areas, to Glaxo BCG, was significantly greater than that healthy animals. had higher antibody levels against mycobacterial antigens, especially New Tuberculin, did All tuberculeus Staffordshire area were invariably unreactive various preparations used for skin-testing. However, area, positive reactions obtained 10 out 37 7 is first account skin tests free living badgers. These results support concept with bovine tubercle bacilli pass through an immunological spectrum throughout much which they are unlikely be important sources infection. In early stages, excreted wounds, whereas later failure cell-mediated immunity excretion other sites becomes a potent source