THEORIES OF TUBERCULIN REACTION
a Robert Koch ascribes the tuberculin reaction to the increased necrotic process around the tubercle, the histological changes consisting of hyperaemia, exudation and softening.
b Ehrlich considers the formation of antibodies an essential feature in the mechanism of reaction. Formation of antibodies takes place in the middle of the three layers encircling the tubercle, the layer damaged by toxins, but not yet rendered incapable of reaction.
c Wassermann maintains that the antituberculin found in the tuberculous process draws the injected tuberculin out of the circulation to the tuberculous focus. The interaction that takes place between antituberculin and tuberculin results in formation of ferments which digest albumin, resulting in the softening of tissue. Absorption of softened tissue causes fever.
d Carl Spengler—Toxins in the blood of the tuberculous are kept in check by antibodies. Injected tuberculin unites with antibodies, thus setting the toxins free. Result—autointoxication.
e Wolff-Eisner—Bacteriolysin is present in the organism of the tuberculous, as result of previous infection; bacteriolysin sets free the potent substances of the injected tuberculin; this acts on the body and the tuberculous focus, producing a reaction.[10]