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The long‐term evolution of mycobacterial BCG and preformed immune complex BCG/anti‐BCG granulomas in rats
Author(s) -
Ridley Marian J.,
Heather C. J.,
Ridley D. S.,
Willoughby D. A.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
the journal of pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.964
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1096-9896
pISSN - 0022-3417
DOI - 10.1002/path.1711410106
Subject(s) - granuloma , epithelioid cell , lesion , infiltration (hvac) , immune system , granuloma formation , bacilli , immunology , tuberculosis , biology , immunity , pathology , medicine , bacteria , immunohistochemistry , physics , genetics , thermodynamics
Abstract In previous studies it was found that infections with BCG or complexed BCG/anti‐BCG in rat skin produced granulomas that appeared to resolve at 8 months. In this follow‐up study 1 year later, it appeared that while lesions due to preformed complexes had resolved, those due to BCG alone had undergone a massive reactivation. Nevertheless despite the loss of CMI the infection was restricted. The bacilli, present in enormously increased numbers, were dead; the host macrophages were large and activated. Epithelioid cells and dendritic cells were common. The granuloma was confluent, with patchy necrosis and inconspicuous polymorph infiltration. Although preformed complexes with viable bacilli formed at equivalence had produced a resolving lesion, the outcome of the natural infection was complicated by an imponderable balance of immunological responses. CMI does not appear to have been a determinant during the crucial phases of the infection.