[Recent clinical aspect of tuberculin reaction]

The tuberculin reaction is the best known and most widely studied form of delayed hypersensitivity and is a clinically acceptable measure of cell mediated immunity. The reaction is characterized by a delayed response to antigenic challenge which is mediated by Th1 cells. This sort of reaction has been thought to form part of the body defenses against a number of infections and infestations. Currently, however, evidence is more favour of a dissociation between allergy and resistance. On the other band it is also evidence that the ability to respond to antimicrobacterial therapy parallel the strength of cell-mediated immune reactivity. Tuberculin test still possess the value as the diagnostic and prognostic parameters for tuberculosis.