Tuberc Respir Dis.  1979 Jun;26(2):1-9. 10.4046/trd.1979.26.2.1.

A Study of the Use of Korean Chipmunks for the Diagnosis of tuberculosis

• KMID: 2528902
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.1979.26.2.1

Abstract

In order to investigate the possibility of the use of Korean chipmunks for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, specimens collected from suspected tuberculous patients were tested, and the following results were obtained. 1. The Korean chipmunks were more susceptible to tubercle bacilli than mice. 2. Out of the 79 suspected tuberculous patients, 40 cases were confirmed by microscopic examination. 3. Out of the 39 microscopically negative cases, 6 cases were confirmed by culture and 21 cases by animal inoculation. 4. Compared with culture and mice inoculation, the inoculation into chipmunks resulted in the early diagnosis, by few weeks. 5. Isolation of tubercle bacilli by Korean chipmunks inoculation was considered more rapid and susceptible than by cultue and mouse inoculation. It was considered a recommendable experimental animal for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.