The species distribution of three concanavalin A-purified mycobacterial polysaccharides

Culture filtrates prepared from 12 species of mycobacteria were examined for the presence of 3 mycobacterial polysaccharides previously purified by concanavalin A affinity chromatography. Four commercial Old Tuberculins, tuberculin tine test units, and purified protein derivative were also studied. All 3 polysaccharides were demonstrated in all of the filtrates and each of the Old Tuberculins and purified protein derivative. The amount of concanavalin A-nonreactive polysaccharide was measured in clinical skin testing antigens and found to be in the range of potential significance as a cause of false positive reactions to Old Tuberculin.