The purified protein derivative reaction to determine exposure to tuberculosis is based on which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The purified protein derivative reaction (also known as the Mantoux test) is based on a sensitized T-cell response. The test involves injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD), which contains proteins from the tuberculosis bacterium, under the skin. If a person has been exposed to tuberculosis, their immune system will mount a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in response to the proteins in the PPD. This reaction involves the activation of T-cells, which release cytokines and cause inflammation at the injection site. The size of the resulting skin reaction is measured at 48-72 hours and helps to determine whether a person has been exposed to tuberculosis.

The Purified Protein Derivative Reaction to Determine Exposure to Tuberculosis