OLD TUBERCULIN Meaning and
Definition
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Old tuberculin refers to a highly potent aqueous solution containing antigens derived from the tubercle bacillus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a diagnostic extract used in tuberculin skin tests, commonly known as Mantoux tests, to determine whether an individual has been exposed to the tuberculosis bacteria. The solution is prepared by extracting proteins, lipids, and other substances from cultures of the bacteria, which are then killed and preserved to create the tuberculin extract.
When introduced into the body through a small injection just beneath the skin, old tuberculin elicits an immune response, causing the immune system to produce specific antibodies against the tuberculosis antigens present. A positive reaction to the tuberculin skin test indicates that the individual has previously been infected with M. tuberculosis or has received the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which is a weakened form of the bacteria used to stimulate immunity.
The response to old tuberculin is typically assessed by measuring the diameter of the resulting skin induration, or swelling, within a specific timeframe after the injection. This measurement helps healthcare professionals determine the level of exposure or immune response. However, it is important to note that a positive reaction does not necessarily indicate active tuberculosis disease, as it can also be seen in individuals with latent (dormant) infections or previous vaccination.
Old tuberculin remains a crucial tool in tuberculosis diagnosis, aiding in the identification and management of the disease.
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Koch, TO a pure culture of tubercle bacilli in 5 per cent. glycerin bouillon, from 4 to 6 weeks old, is filtered and the filtrate is evaporated by heat to 1/10 its volume; it contains only the soluble bacterial products, and whatever immunity it confers is against the toxins only, not the bacilli.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OLD TUBERCULIN
- ild tuberculin
- kld tuberculin
- lld tuberculin
- pld tuberculin
- 0ld tuberculin
- 9ld tuberculin
- okd tuberculin
- opd tuberculin
- ood tuberculin
- ols tuberculin
- olx tuberculin
- olc tuberculin
- olf tuberculin
- olr tuberculin
- ole tuberculin
- old ruberculin
- old fuberculin
- old guberculin
- old yuberculin
- old 6uberculin
Etymology of OLD TUBERCULIN
The word "old tuberculin" derives its etymology from the Latin term "tuberculum" which means "a small swelling or protuberance". The suffix "-in" in this context refers to a substance or agent. Therefore, "tuberculin" refers to a substance related to tubercles or the infectious nodules caused by tuberculosis.
The prefix "old" in this term indicates that "old tuberculin" is an older form of tuberculin, which was the first extract derived from cultures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis. It was first developed by Robert Koch in the late 19th century as a diagnostic tool for tuberculosis.
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