The Comparative Value of Tuberculoprotein (MA 100) and Old Tuberculin, with Especial Reference to Sensitization

Abstract

A study was undertaken to ascertain the value of tests with tuberculoprotein (MA 100) by comparing the number and the character of the reactions to comparable quantities of this substance and Old Tuberculin, and by determining whether human beings could be sensitized to the tuberculoprotein. From their studies Funk and Huntoon (1) and Mariette and Fenger (2) concluded that with tuberculoprotein (MA 100) a somewhat higher percentage of positive reactions can be obtained than with Old Tuberculin, that the amount of tuberculoprotein (M100) employed was sufficient to detect the majority of cases of manifest tuberculosis, and that no untoward effects result from its use in this quantity. These conclusions however were based chiefly upon injections of 0.01 mgm. of Old Tuberculin and 0.0005 mgm. of tuberculoprotein (MA 100), amounts so small that positive reactions are to be expected only in those who are more sensitive to the action of tuberculin.