THE EFFECT ON THE TRICHINELLA SKIN TEST OF SIMULTANEOUS INFECTION WITH BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS IN TRICHINOUS RABBITS 1

Abstract

The possibility that infection with tuberculosis may alter the reactivity to Trichinella antigen was investigated experimentally in rabbits, using a bovine strain of tubercle bacilli. The 3 groups of animals consisted of one fed trichinous rat meat, another given tuberculosis by injn. of a suspension of acid-fast bacilli, and the 3d group infected with both trichinosis and tuberculosis. Skin tests were performed with bovine tuberculin, PPD, and 2 Trichinella antigens. No biologic cross reactions between tuberculosis and trichinosis were detected by skin tests. Tuberculin and PPD were found to be more specific for tuberculosis than the Trichinella antigen for trichinosis. The intensity of Trichinella infection in the exptl. groups was measured by the muscle press technique. Simultaneous infection with bovine tuberculosis did not increase the intensity of trichinous infection in rabbits.