Abstract
The bentonite flocculation test was used to differentiate antibodies formed by BCG vaccination from those produced by infections with virulent tubercle bacilli. Of 116 BCG-vaccinated nurses, only two (1.7%) showed antibody titres higher (1:128) than the threshold titre of 1:64 established for tuberculous patients.
The bentonite test was also used to follow the course of infection in 54 patients with tuberculosis. A good correlation was found between the clinical course of the disease and O.T.-bentonite titres on repeated serological testing.
Tuberculosis-like antibodies were demonstrated in sarcoidosis patients. These antibodies, however, are globulins (7S), in contrast to the macroglobulins (19S) found in tuberculous patients.
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Selected References
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