The modern outlook on tuberculin

Abstract

Summary The name, tuberculin, has been employed to include all preparations which have a specific irritant effect on the sensitized cells of man or animals infected with tuberculosis. The specific active principle, called Purified Protein Derivative (P.P.D.), is of protein nature, and is the best reagent so far produced for diagnostic tests in man. Its preparation and obvious advantages over Old Tuberculin are discussed. Attention is directed to reactions which have been observed in laboratory workers following inhalation of tuberculin during preparation. The Mantoux test should replace, all others in the diagnosis of tuberculous infection, for it permits accurate and graduated dosage. In connection with these tests, the extraordinary property possessed by tuberculin of adhering to glass-ware must not be overlooked. Tuberculin plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of tuberculosis in man, and is also invaluable in epidemiological studies. Treatment with tuberculin, which is little used at present, might possibly be resumed under carefully controlled conditions. In veterinary practice, the intradermal test with potent tuberculin is highly specific in cattle and is a reliable indication of the presence, of infection. It is being used increasingly to build up tuberculosis-free herds in England. Certain recent publications are reviewed on the role of B.C.G. and Spahlinger vaccine in the prevention of tuberculosis.