Role of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium bovis BCG infection in gamma interferon receptor-deficient mice

A profound eosinophil infiltration of granulomas is observed in the lungs o f Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette Guerin-infected gamma interferon re ceptor-deficient mice. Blockade of eosinophil proliferation and recruitment into the lung by treatment with anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody mar ginally reduced mycobacterial growth within the lung but did not affect dis semination of the infection to other tissues.