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

sitization with atypical mycobacteria is a potent risk factor for cross-reaction with the delayed type hypersensitivity assay in mice Original Research (4695) Total Article Views Authors: Eduardo Martins de Sousa, Fernando Bonfim de Bortoli, Bruna Daniella de Souza Silva, et al Published Date July 2010 Volume 2010:2 Pages 91 - 97 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/PLMI.S11703 Eduardo Martins de Sousa1, Fernando Bonfim de Bortoli1, Bruna Daniella de Souza Silva1, Ediane Batista da Silva1, Scott M Irwin2, Ana Paula Junqueira Kipnis1 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, Parasitology and Pathology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, Goiania-Go, Brazil; 2Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA Abstract: 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.