Increased Resistance to Tuberculosis in Mice Sensitized with Non-Specific Antigen

Abstract

Mice (SM strain) were sensitized non-specifically with either bovine serum or typhoid vaccine and the immunogenicity of these treatments to tuberculosis was compared with that of a specfic antituberculous vaccine prepared by Dr. Leon in Mexico, using the survival time of amimals as an indicator. (1) Contrary to Leon's opinion, the presence of a significant immunogenic property could not be confirmed in Leon's vaccine. (2) An apparent increase in resistance is observed in animals treated with bovine serum and to lesser extent with typhoid vaccine. (3) A non-specific mechanism can be thought to play a very important role in addition to the specific immunological mechanisms in antituberculous immunity.