Leukocyte migration inhibition by a specific antigen in human brucellosis.

Leukocyte migration inhibition /LMI/ tests were carried out in 19 patients with Brucella abortus bovis infection and in 18 healthy control subjects using killed Brucella abortus bovis as antigen. In the brucellosis group a statistically significant LMI was observed, as compared to the members of the control group. Using the same antigen, a fairly good correlation was found between the local skin reaction and the results of the LMI test in the subacute or chronic stage of the disease. However, the results of the LMI test showed no correlation with either the clinical activity of the disease or the serological results and the general reactions elicited by the skin test. Since LMI and skin tests give nearly identical results in subacute or chronic brucellosis, it is suggested that the LMI test may be used as a safe test instead of the skin test.