booster phenomenon


booster phenomenon

 [bo̳s´ter] on a tuberculin test, an initial false negative result due to a diminished amnestic response that becomes positive on subsequent testing.

booster phenomenon

An increase in the size of a tuberculin reaction (> 6 mm, or from < to > 10 mm) after a 2nd PPD skin test for TB; the booster phenomenon (BP) is attributed to enhanced immunologic “recall’, due to either
(1) Previous infection with M tuberculosis; or
(2) Infection with a non-TB mycobacterium.
The BP is most common in elderly patients with inactive M tuberculosis, who rarely convert to active disease.

booster phenomenon

Tuberculosis An ↑ in size of a tuberculin reaction–> 6 mm, or from < to > 10 mm after a 2nd PPD skin test for TB; the BP is attributed to enhanced immunologic 'recall', due to either 1. Previous infection with M tuberculosis or.2. Infection with a non-TB mycobacterium; BP is most common in elderly Pts with inactive M tuberculosis, who rarely convert to active disease.