[Determination of the bactericidal strength of alveolar macrophages by using the NBT test]

The NBT test on alveolar macrophages can be used for the indirect evaluation of their bactericidal potency. This test has made it possible to show that the development of the tuberculous process in the lungs is characterized by the increasing intensity of the reduction of NBT by alveolar macrophages, which indirectly indicates their considerable bactericidal potency. But 3-4 weeks after infection macrophages, though capable of considerable bactericidal action, do not react to stimulation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.