Identification of mycobacterial infections.

How accurately is it possible to distinguish different types of mycobacterial infections in human populations with the skin-test antigens available today? In this paper the authors outline some of the problems that must be faced in interpreting the results of skin tests in populations containing individuals infected with a voriety of strains, many as yet unidentified. Illustrations drawn from experimental studies in guinea-pigs show that the accuracy of identification depends on the composition of the population tested and the antigens used. Preliminary results of testing with multiple mycobacterial antigens in human populations give promise of leading eventually to recognition of the infections that are of importance in man.