Delayed hypersensitivity reactions provoked by ribosomes from acid-fast bacilli. I. Ribosomal isolation, characterization, delayed hypersensitivity, and specificity.

Ribosomes and ribosomal subunits of Mycobacterium bovis (strain BCG) and M. smegmatis have been isolated and employed as skin test antigens in guinea pigs sensitized with homologous or heterologous organisms. Ribosomes and ribosomal subunits were found to be potent antigens for skin test purposes, and the 30S subunits were found to be more specific and active than the 50S subunits.