Circulating antibody response in BCG vaccination, tuberculous infection and sarcoidosis.

Abstract

The bentonite flocculation test was used to differentiate antibodies formed by BCG vaccination from those produced by infections with virulent tubercle bacilli. Of 116 BCG-vaccinated nurses, only two (1.7%) showed antibody titres higher (1:128) than the threshold titre of 1:64 established for tuberculous patients.The bentonite test was also used to follow the course of infection in 54 patients with tuberculosis. A good correlation was found between the clinical course of the disease and O.T.-bentonite titres on repeated serological testing.Tuberculosis-like antibodies were demonstrated in sarcoidosis patients. These antibodies, however, are globulins (7S), in contrast to the macroglobulins (19S) found in tuberculous patients.

• Authors: R Wallace, B B Diena, A G Jessamine, L Greenberg
• Journal: Canadian Medical Association journal (Can Med Assoc J) Vol. 96 Issue 10 Pg. 585-8 (Mar 11 1967) ISSN: 0008-4409 [Print] Canada
• PMID: 6020859 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• BCG Vaccine
• Mercaptoethanol

Topics

• Antibody Formation (drug effects)
• Antigen-Antibody Reactions (drug effects)
• BCG Vaccine
• Humans
• Mercaptoethanol (therapeutic use)
• Sarcoidosis (immunology)
• Tuberculin Test
• Tuberculosis (immunology)