[Detection of Mycobacterial antigens in tuberculous pleuritis, empyema and meningitis]

Mycobacterial antigens were identified by inhibition solid-phase enzyme immunoassay specific antibodies to M.H37Rv labelled with horse radish peroxidase in 20, 27, 24, 47 and 21 patients with tuberculous pleurisy, tuberculous empyema, meningitis, pleurisy and nontuberculous empyema, respectively. Mycobacterial antigens were found more frequently and in greater quantities in pleural and cerebrospinal fluids in tuberculosis than in the above nontuberculous affections. These differences were less pronounced in serum assays.