m.avium

[Craig Ward]

To Whom it May Concern:
I am seeking some information about false positives of  the Mantoux test
for M. tuberculosis and any cross reactivity problems with M. avium.  I
understand that the antigens used for the test are suppose to be
specific for the M. tuberculosis and no other bacterium.  I am wondering
if there has been any research into the possibility of cross reactivity
with the bacterium M. avium.  Specifically, if M. avium can give a weak
positive Mantoux test when a patient actually has not been exposed to
the M. tuberculosis bacterium.  Any information anyone has on this
subject would be greatly appreciated.

craig_w at erc.montana.edu