IMMUNITY IN TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

In former publications^1,2we have shown that large numbers of virulent tubercle bacilli may be inoculated into guinea-pigs without producing tuberculosis. provided that very few bacilli are at first inoculated, and that the numbers are increased slowly. In addition, Lieb³has shown the possibility of inoculating rabbits with virulent bovine tubercle bacilli in a similar manner. The work now reported will indicate that monkeys (Macacus rhesus), animals which, when kept in captivity are exceedingly vulnerable to tubercle bacilli, can also be safely given increasing amounts of virulent human tubercle bacilli, if inoculated in a manner similar to that in which the animals above referred to were inoculated. Twelve monkeys (Macacus rhesus) were procured and were tested with Old Tuberculin according to Römer's⁴method for cattle. A positive reaction is indicated by at least a 75 per cent, increase in the measurement of the skin-fold. When we were satisfied