AVIAN TUBERCLE BACILLI AND OTHER MYCOBACTERIA - THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IN THE ERADICATION OF BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

In the preceding text the objective has been to emphasize the existence of a significant relationship between certain mycobacteria, other than human or bovine forms of tubercle bacilli, and the prospects of eventually eradicating tuberculosis in cattle. The importance of the tuberculin test as the indispensable weapon in the attack on bovine tuberculosis is reiterated. In addition, certain serious shortcomings of the procedure are recounted, particularly those concerned with the qualitative aspect of the antigen. Natural infections of cattle and other mammals with the organism of avian tuberculosis are considered, as is the ability of other types of tubercle bacilli to infect heterologous hosts. The question of reciprocal or cross reactions of tuberculin is also emphasized. Attention is drawn to the possibility that certain unclassified mycobacteria may also induce hypersensitivity to diagnostic doses of tuberculin. Finally, it is concluded that eradication of tuberculosis, whether in man or in animals, can be achieved only after the detection of all infected individuals. The recognition generally that hypersensitivity to tuberculin may be induced by, or be associated with, mycobacterial infections other than the classified forms of the genus Mycobacterium would contribute much to a more comprehensive and definitive understanding needed to achieve the eventual eradication and control of the still unconquered mycobacterial diseases.