STUDIES OF RESISTANCE TO EXPERIMENTAL TUBERCULOSIS IN MICE VACCINATED WITH LIVING ATTENUATED TUBERCLE BACILLI AND CHALLENGED WITH VIRULENT ORGANISMS

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Abstract
Mice were shown to develop pulmonary tubercles and large numbers of organisms in their tissues following exposure to aerosols containing virulent tubercle bacilli. Mice vaccinated with BCG intravenously or with H37Ra intravenously or by aerosol developed resistance to infection as manifested by the absence of pulmonary lesions and inhibition of growth of virulent organisms in the tissues of such mice. Mice vaccinated by oral, subcutaneous, or intraperitoneal routes do not develop this degree of immunity. Resistance appears to be specific and not related to interference. Resistance appears in about one week and persists for at least 42 weeks after vaccination.