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Sensitization with atypical mycobacteria is a potent risk factor for cross-reaction with the delayed type hypersensitivity assay in mice
Authors de Sousa EM, de Bortoli FB, de Souza Silva BD, da Silva EB, Irwin SM, Junqueira Kipnis AP
Published 16 July 2010 Volume 2010:2 Pages 91—97
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/PLMI.S11703
Review by Single anonymous peer review
Peer reviewer comments 3
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, Goiânia-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 injection. 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.
Keywords: tuberculin skin test, environmental mycobacteria, immune response
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