Relative cross reactivity of habanin, lepromin and tuberculin in guinea pigs sensitized with homologous and heterologous mycobacteria.

An atypical strain Mycobacterium habana has been studied for its antigenic cross reactivity with delayed type of hypersensitivity responses in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs sensitized with M. habana, M. leprae and M. tuberculosis when challenged with habanin, lepromin and tuberculin in criss-cross fashion have demonstrated strong cross reactivity with each other. Possibilities of developing M. habana as a vaccine against tuberculosis and/or leprosy has been discussed.