A model of destructive tuberculosis in guinea pigs

Two series of experiments were made to develop experimental cavernous tuberculosis of the lungs in guinea-pigs. For preliminary sensitization, the Freund adjuvant was used in the first series of experiments, whereas the BCG vaccine was employed in the second series. The cavity was formed after the culture of H37Rv mycobacteria was inoculated into the lungs of the sensitized animals. The animals vaccinated with BCG developed cavernous tuberculosis with a three-layer cavity wall and with the multiplication of the bacterial population. The animals sensitized with the Freund adjuvant after the mycobacterial culture was inoculated into the lungs demonstrated changes of the caseous pneumonia type to form lung tissue destruction. Attempts to develop the three-layer wall with the latter method ended in failure. The application of BCG vaccine enabled the optimal model of cavernous tuberculosis to be obtained.