Experimental and Epidemiologic Basis for the Interpretation of Tuberculin Sensitivity.

摘要: Summary Epidemiologic evidence that nontuberculous infections cause many of the positive tuberculin reactions observed in human beings is corroborated by results experimental studies guinea pigs reported present paper. Some animals were infected with virulent tubercle bacilli, some nonphotochromogenic mycobacterium “Battey” type, and not infected. Intracutaneous tests standard mammalian (PPD-S) PPD antigen prepared from Battey organism (PPD-B) showed although cross-reactions occur both types infection, homologous usually produced a larger reaction than heterologous antigen. Frequency histograms sizes to PPD-S for theoretical populations containing various proportions tuberculous infected, uninfected pigs, revealed patterns sensitivity similar those populations. Parallel patients tuberculosis hospitals whom only typical bacilli or Battey-type organisms had been recovered gave like found pigs. Studies healthy U.S. Navy recruits different parts country, general population groups this country abroad, indicate are highly prevalent geographic areas much less others; moreover, frequency varies prevalence PPD-B. Whether chiefly responsible these organism, other related (or organisms), still undetermined. It clear, however, when high specific low, few can be identified size alone. Simultaneous testing antigens then expected help determine source sensitivity, just as simultaneous histoplasmin coccidioidin helps distinguish between two fungus infections.