174 ANTIGENS AND THE TECHNIC OF SERUM REACTIONS 



Results. Opinions differ widely as to the value of vaccines. Accord- 

 ing to the theory of bacterial vaccination, subacute and chronic infec- 

 tions which are localized should give the best results, and such indeed 

 appears to be the case. For example, a streptococcus septicemia 

 abates and leaves a joint involvement or a heart valve vegetation. 

 Vaccine therapy has a better chance of producing results during this 

 secondary stage than during the earlier acute septicemic stage. Gon- 

 orrheal arthritis, pneumonias which resolve by lysis, pus sinuses, and 

 localized colon infections are suitable for treatment. In acute inflam- 

 mations of the mucous membranes of the intestines, bladder, throat, 

 etc., the results have been either negative or unsatisfactory. 



So far as specific organisms are concerned, staphylococcus vaccines 

 give the most constant and satisfactory results. Furuncles, severe 

 carbuncles, some cases of acne, and even low-grade staphylococcus 

 septicemias yield rather readily to vaccine therapy with this organism. 

 Streptococcic and pneumococcic infections are much more resistant, 

 generally speaking, to vaccine treatment than are staphylococcus 

 infections. 



