Non-specific sensitization to old tuberculin: mycobacteria in water / ?

ABSTRACT

One hundred and thirty-three strains of acid-fast organism have been isolated from 234 specimens of water, beach-sand and mud from dams and creeks. Stagnant and semistagnant water such as swimming pools, reservoirs and rain water tanks are the richest source of mycobacteria in the surroundings of man. The percentage of positive isolations and the number of strains which are able to produce skin lesions and sensitize guinea pigs to Old Tuberculin seem to be greater in North Queensland and Brisbane than in Sydney. This parallels the conversion rates in children of 10-14 years which are around 50%, 25% and 5% respectively