Sosnovskaia A V
Probl Tuberk. 1990(4):17-9.
The results of different criteria analysis and their interrelation in evaluating M. tuberculosis virulence for guinea-pigs are shown. 6- and 12-week indices, as their infectivity, dissemination, splenic index and lifespan are studied. It was demonstrated that the virulence index correlated with the intensity of Mycobacterium reproduction in the guinea-pig organs. The indices of virulence and dissemination are not correlated with the contaminating dose of Mycobacteria as well as the animals' lifespan. It is recommended to analyse a quantitative characteristics of virulence by means of its index by killing the guinea-pigs 6 weeks after their infection.
