Serological studies of acute otitis with particular regard to non-specific capsular swelling of Type 27 Pneumococci

Abstract

Summary.

1. 100 cases of acute otitis have been examined with a view to the prevalence and duration of the non-specific capsular swelling reaction of Type 27 Pneumococci as described by Löfström. In a good half of the cases the reaction has been ascertainable at the beginning of the illness. In most cases, in which the reaction has remained in the second week of the illness, irreparable changes have arisen.

2. Every operation, including a fully sterile one, produces a n-s. c. reaction, as a rule demonstrable as early as after 24 hours.

3. The prevalence and prerequisites of the n-s. c. reaction conform entirely with the precipitin reaction demonstrated by Francis and Tillet with the C fraction common to all types of Pneumococci. For this reason it is contended that the same substance, i. e. the albumin fraction in →acute phase serum→, as isolated by Avery and his collaborators, conditions both these reactions.

4. Since the albumin formation can, apparently, be stimulated into action also by non-bacterial antigens, it is supposed to be, invariably, an obligatory forerunner to antibody formation. In addition, because of its early appearance and its seemingly polyvalent antigen-binding capacity, at a period when the specific monovalent antibodies have as yet not had time to develop, it possesses, probably, a certain, though small, protective value