Diagnostic BCG test in old individuals

Abstract

100 individuals between 70 and 100 years of age were tested with Adrenalin-Pirquet test, Mantoux 100 T.U. and Diagnostic BCG test. 41 per cent were definite reactors to the AP test. In 38 per cent the AP test was negative or doubtful, the Mantoux test positive and the BCG test showed a typical early reaction. In 9 per cent the AP test was negative, the Mantoux test negative or doubtful, but the BCG test gave a typical early reaction. Thus in all 88 per cent are considered ‘allergic’. In 12 per cent the BCG test gave no early reaction. 10 out of 11 individuals in the last group, tested again after three months, gave positive Mantoux reactions, and they all gave a typical early reaction to BCG this time. Extensive application of the diagnostic BCG test in non-reactors to tuberculin among old individuals may show that a complete loss of allergy is less common than has been assumed.