THE PRODUCTION OF ANTIPNEUMOCOCCIC SERUM

Abstract

In the production of immune serum for therapeutic purposes strict attention must be paid to the immunological specificity of the bacteria used for immunization. At present the only serum of which the therapeutic value has been proven is that effective against Type I pneumococcus infection. This serum should have agglutinating power for Type I pneumococcus and should have the power of protecting mice against large amounts of virulent culture. Experiments have shown that for producing the primary immunity most rapidly several series of small doses of dead cultures should be given, the injections being made daily for 6 to 7 days, followed by a week in which no injections are made. To produce the highest type of immunity probably living organisms are required. These should be given in moderate doses daily for 3 days, with an interval of a week between each series of injections. By following accurately the methods described, horses may be made to produce rapidly a high grade of specific serum. The observations so far made indicate the importance of employing small doses of culture frequently repeated in this form of immunization.