Sensitivity of Mice to Endotoxin after Vaccination with BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin)

Abstract
Mice given a single intravenous injection of a culture of BCG(attenuated tubercle bacilli) develop a state of hyperreactivity to bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide). The LD50 for Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide decreases from 357 [mu]g in controls to 6 or 7 [mu]g 7 days after vaccination. This hyperreactivity persists for several months. Cord factor derived from virulent tubercle bacilli induces a similar state of hyperreactivity.