Sensitization with atypical mycobacteria is a potent risk factor for cross-reaction with the delayed type hypersensitivity assay in mice

Resumo

Tuberculosis is a disease that infects approximately two billion people worldwide. The current diagnostic test utilizes purified protein derivative (PPD) obtained from Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures to elicit a host delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to identify infected individuals. This reaction is manifested as an induration at 48 hours following intradermal i njection. These experiments demonstrate that in a mouse model, repeated administrations of PPD do not elicit a positive tuberculin skin test (TST). However, prior sensitization to environmental mycobacteria does induce a positive TST when administered via the intraperitoneal or oral route. This work has important implications regarding the specificity of the PPD reagent, disease diagnosis, and environmental mycobacteria.

Descrição

Palavras-chave

Immune response, Tuberculin skin test, Environmental mycobacteria

Citação

SOUSA, Eduardo Martins de Sousa; BORTOLI, Fernando Bonfim de; SILVA, Bruna Daniella de Souza; SILVA, Ediane Batista da; IRWIN, Scott M; JUNQUEIRA-KIPNIS, Ana Paula. Sensitization with atypical mycobacteria is a potent risk factor for cross-reaction with the delayed type hypersensitivity assay in mice. Pathology and Laboratory Medicine International, London, p. 91-97, 2010.