[Effect of low-energy helium-neon laser on the biological properties of Mycobacterium tuberculosis].

The results of experimental studies of M. tuberculosis biological properties tested in guinea pigs which were subjected to different doses of helium-neon laser radiation are given. The functional evidence is compared with the results of electron microscopic study of the irradiated culture. The investigation revealed that laser radiation caused changes in biological properties of M. tuberculosis. A decrease in growth properties and virulence was found to be related to a radiation dose. It is suggested that a drop in the biological activity of M. tuberculosis under laser radiation be associated with its influence on the Mycobacterium lipid layer which contains a cord-factor and responsible for their virulence.