OPSONIC INDEX FOLLOWING VACCINE INJECTION'S. 57 



the toxins from the diseased tissues to healthy tissues where im- 

 mune substances are actively produced. The amount of mas- 

 sage and manipulation Wright regulates by the changes produced 

 in the opsonic index. 



While numerous investigators have reported results of vac- 

 cination based on opsonic index determinations and have ob- 

 tained, after injections, almost always a uniform rise in the opsonic 

 index, most investigators have not found this to be the case. 

 Even though Wright claims to have obtained changes in opsonic 

 index showing considerable regularity, yet on examination of 

 his charts one sees curves of most marked irregularity; the index 

 is not constant in normal individuals ; shows no consistent increase 

 or decrease in different stages of infection, and is* influenced by 

 many non-specific processes as menstruation, exercise, food, etc. 

 Numerous investigators have found that even though there may 

 be first an increase in opsonic index following vaccination, yet 

 this is soon followed by a fall of the index and still improvement 

 of the condition will be observed. 



The results obtained on determinations of opsonic index in 

 health and disease are so variable that its importance as a means 

 of diagnosis, prognosis and indication of actual immunity 

 must be doubted. It is definitely certain that the index is of 

 no value whatever unless carried out carefully by one having had 

 considerable experience in its determination. 



