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Tuberculin PPD RT23: has it lost some of its potency?
1Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, Korean National Tuberculosis Association, Seoul.
Summary
Purified protein derivative RT23 (tuberculin) potency decreased in Korea after 1975. This impacts interpreting tuberculosis prevalence survey data collected over time.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Purified protein derivative RT23 (PPD RT23) is a globally utilized tuberculin antigen.
- Korea has conducted nationwide tuberculosis prevalence surveys using 1TU RT23 since 1965.
- A decline in PPD RT23 potency was observed following the 1975 survey.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the observed drop in PPD RT23 potency in Korea.
- To emphasize the implications of this potency change on interpreting historical tuberculosis survey data.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of tuberculin potency data from Korean nationwide tuberculosis prevalence surveys.
- Comparison of PPD RT23 potency across different survey intervals.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in the potency of 1TU RT23 was detected after the 1975 survey.
- The observed potency drop necessitates careful consideration when analyzing tuberculosis prevalence trends.
Conclusions:
- The findings underscore the importance of monitoring tuberculin reagent stability.
- Accurate interpretation of past tuberculosis prevalence data requires accounting for PPD RT23 potency variations over time.