[The immune status in experimental tuberculosis caused by altered forms of mycobacteria]

The immune status of guinea pigs in infection caused by M. tuberculosis L-forms and ultrafine forms has been studied. During the development of the infectious process the suppression of cell-mediated immunity factors has been found to occur. The indices of specific immunity factors correlate with the isolation rate of M. tuberculosis bacterial forms from the organs of infected animals and with the degree of their lesions. A change in the level of antibody formation has been established.