Characteristics of Indian tubercle bacilli.

Bhatia, A.L.

Indian Journal of Chest Diseases; 1961; 3; 147-153.

As result of the studies undertaken during the last 4 years at the Tuberculosis Chemotherapy Centre, Madras, some characteristics of Indian tubercle bacilli that differ from those of British tubercle bacilli have been observed. These factors relate to their virulence in the guinea pig, susceptibility to hydrogen peroxide, and drug sensitivity. The Indian and British cultures are, however, closely similar in the majority of their in vitro characteristics.

          Before proceeding further, it must be emphasized that the findings reported in this paper apply to cultures obtained from a rather selected group of patients. These patients presented themselves because of symptoms and the vast majorities of them were positive on smear examination and had moderately or far advanced disease. Furthermore, all the patients were residents of Madras City.

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