Sensitivity to six mycobacterial antigens in young Nigerian adults.

A preliminary survey of sensitivity to six mycobacterial antigens in young Nigerian adults resident in Lagos is reported. The results support the contention that non-specific tuberculin reactions in Nigeria are largely the result of sensitization of the population by atypical mycobacteria and that the bacteria most active in this respect are of Runyon's Groups II and III (scotochromogens and unpigmented). Cross-reactions with antigens of atypical mycobacteria in populations of different tuberculin status are analysed in some detail.