In mice, natural resistance or susceptibility to infection with intracellular parasites is determined by a locus or group of loci on chromosome 1, designated Bcg, Lsh, and Ity, which controls early microbial replication in reticuloendothelial organs. We have identified by positional cloning a candidate gene for Bcg, Nramp1, which codes for a novel macrophage-specific membrane transport protein....

Modulating the host-immune response by the use of recombinant vaccines is a potential strategy to improve protection against microbial pathogens. In this study, we sought to determine whether secretion of murine GM-CSF by the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine influenced protective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. BCG-derived GM-CSF stimulated the in vitro generation of function...

Intravesical Mycobacterium bovis BCG instillation therapy is commonly used to prevent recurrences of carcinoma in situ (CIS) and/or Ta/T1 papillary tumors of the urinary bladder (8). A rare and serious complication associated with BCG treatment of bladder cancer is the development of disseminated BCG disease (1, 6). Current recommendations for bladder cancer patients (being treated with BCG) wh...

Bacillus Calmette-Gu erin (BCG) is the most effective intravesical immunotherapy for superficial bladder cancer. Although generally well tolerated, BCG-related infectious complications may occur following instillation. Much of the current knowledge about this complication comes from single case reports, with heterogeneous diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and no investigation on risk factor...

The mechanism by which human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-Mycobacterium tuberculosis coinfection facilitates development of HIV-related tuberculosis is poorly characterized. Macaque models of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV(mac))-Mycobacterium bovis BCG coinfection were employed to explore the pathogenesis of AIDS virus-related tuberculosis. Following BCG coinfection, SIV (SIV)-infected maca...

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a common and serious complication of primary tubercular complex in preschool children in our country. Following exposure to tubercle bacilli, it takes about 6-8 weeks for a primary complex to develop(l). Six to twelve months after the primary infection, tuberculous meningitis, secondary to hematogenous spread, may occur. The commonest age group for tuberculous me...

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most common systemic bacterial infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in developed countries; however, it is reported to be uncommon in Africa. The role of a prior history of tuberculous disease, and the presence of a bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) scar, in preventing disseminated MAC is controversial. The aims o...

Non-typhoidal Salmonella serotypes (NTS) cause a self-limited gastroenteritis in immunocompetent individuals, while children with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria can develop a life-threatening disseminated infection. This co-infection is a major source of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the mechanisms by which malaria contributes to increased risk of NTS bacteremia are inco...

Killed BCG cells suspended in 1.5% carboxymethylcellulose cured guinea pigs with established line 10 tumors in a high percentage of cases. The bacterial preparation of BCG in carboxymethylcellulose displayed a stronger tumor regressive activity and the process of healing was accelerated when endotoxin from a rough (Re) strain of Salmonella typhimurium was added to the BCG bacilli.