Cell Walls from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (BCG) as Vaccine Against Mycobacterium leprae Infections in Mice

Abstract

Oil-treated cell walls of BCG were effective as vaccines against M. leprae infections in mice. The amount of protection was about as great as that provided by intact (living) BCG, and was distinct when given either intradermally or intravenously. In contrast cell walls that had not been treated with oil provided no protection at all, in parallel with results reported for M. tuberculosis by aerogenic challenge. The amount of lymph node enlargement that followed intradermal vaccination was distinctly less with cell wall vaccines than with BCG. Characteristic long-lasting histologic foci were produced by cell walls and by BCG when administered intravenously.