Evaluation of Relative Potency of Human Tuberculin Skin Test in the Guinea Pigs Sensitized with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, M. Bovis BCG and M. Avium

Abstract

Background: The tuberculin skin test is the most commonly used test for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) infection. The basis of tuberculin testing is the induction of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to the intradermal injection of tuberculin. Unfortunately, this test is incapable of distinguishing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection from Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination or infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relative potency of human tuberculin skin test )produced by Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute( in the guinea pigs sensitized with M. tuberculosis, M. bovis BCG and M. avium.