[A study on the count of living BCG bacilli using BL and FS methods].

Counting of living BCG bacilli is an important indicator for surveillance of BCG quality. Presently the method of CFU recommended by WHO is still widely used. This study employs rapid bioluminescent technique which measures ATP in the BCG and the fluorescent staining method which determines living bacilli rate in the BCG. CFU technique is used as control. Combining the results of OT tests in newborn children, we can evaluate the effects of BL and FS techniques used in surveillance of BCG quality. It is show that there is a significant correlation between BL and CFU techniques (r = 0.973, P < 0.005). Coefficient of variation in BL test group (ev = 2.72%) is much smaller than that in CFU group (cv = 39.5%). The results are also compatible with that of FS and OT reaction.