TUBERCULIN THERAPY 



The objection has been frequently advanced that B. E. is absorbed with 

 difficulty and tends to produce infiltrations. This may be readily over- 

 come by preliminary use of T. R. or by the employment of sensitized B. E., 

 as has been advised by Meyer and Rupple. 



By sensitized B. E. is understood a bacilli emulsion which has been 

 mixed with the tuberculous serum of a horse or ox containing anti-tuber- 

 culin. This mixture brings about a union between certain of the anti- 

 bodies and substances contained within the bacteria. The tuberculous 

 serum is then removed by centrifugalizing and washing the mixture with 

 physiological salt solution. 



The sensitized B. E. (S. B. E.) is milder than B. E. and in its character 

 is more like T. R. The infiltration is much less, or entirely absent, due, as 

 a general rule, to the fact that sensitization of bacteria tends to neutralize 

 those substances which produce infiltrations. This last has been demon- 

 strated by the author in the case of mouse-typhoid, and swine pest bacilli, 

 where marked infiltrations following their inoculation have been avoided 

 by sensitization. The following chart illustrates preliminary treatment 

 with S. B. E. followed by B. E. (Chart 4.) 



The patient was a female who at the time of admission presented double-sided 

 apical and suspicious intestinal tuberculosis. Tubercle bacilli were present in the 

 sputum. The patient was discharged from the clinic as relatively cured, i.e., all mani- 

 festations of illness had disappeared with the exception of slight dulness over one of 

 the apices which, however, could have been attributed to cicatrization. In addition, 

 there was normal vesicular breathing, no temperature, no catarrh, and a good general 

 condition. Undoubtedly it is difficult to say whether this case is cured. Only years 

 of observation can prove this. A temporary latency of symptoms must always be 

 considered. Suffice it to say, that the patient was a great deal improved and able to 

 return to her work. 



