Immunization of mice with Mycobacterium leprae/Mycobacterium bovis BCG admixtures: modulation of the acquired response to BCG.

The generation of acquired immunity to BCG in mice was compared to that in animals receiving an admixture of BCG and killed Mycobacterium leprae. No significant qualitative differences were observed between the two groups in terms of their generation of delayed sensitivity, of protective T cells, and of immunological memory. In addition, the admixture was as effective as BCG in conferring protective immunity against certain nontuberculous mycobacteria, and in one case, that of M. avium 706, significantly augmented protection.