1962 Volume 17 Issue 12 Pages 928-931
In the previous reports, the author presented repeatedly the marked phenomenon that the non-yathogenic acid-fast bacteria, such as M. phlei, produce severe lesions on various animals, when the bacteria are coated with fat or oil.
In this paper, some experiments are reported which were performed to explain the mechanism of the above phenomenon.
Both the BCG immunized and SM treated animals were infected by oil-coated and water-suspended tubercle bacilli. It was revealed that the oil-coated tubercle bacilli are protected from the effect of BCG immunization and SM treatment. It is considered, however, that the cause of this phenomenon is not only the protection by the oil-coating but the other factors.
Furthermore, from the view-point of this phenomenon, the author discusses about the so-called atypical mycobacteria isolated in Japan.
