A mycobacterial antigen ESAT-6 was identified in short-term culture filtrates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is easily found in patients with tuberculosis. This antigen contains a variety of epitopes recognized in more than 90% of patients. ESAT-6 has recently been shown to be an ideal candidate for diagnostic test that will discriminate between infected and BCG-vaccinated persons. ESAT-6 is mainly used for antibody production and development of test systems for tuberculosis. In the future the creation of a vaccine on the basis of ESAT-6 with liposomal adjuvant or polyoxidonium is possible. This protein is from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
