MALLEIN REACTION 647 



formed, and especially with an antigen reenforced with cholesterin, is 

 stronger evidence of the absence of syphilis then is a luetin test. On the 

 other hand, a definitely positive luetin reaction may be regarded as 

 indicating that the patient is or has been syphilitic, even though the 

 Wassermann reaction is negative. 



2. Results indicate that in syphilis the luetin reaction persists longer 

 than does the Wassermann reaction. This is to be expected when we 

 assume that the substance in the blood-serum of a syphilitic responsi- 

 ble for the Wassermann reaction, is a separate reactionary product of 

 the body-cells to pallida toxin, the allergic luetin reaction being due 

 to the true pallida antibody. The toxin is believed to disappear from 

 the body-fluids within a few weeks after all the spirochetes have been 

 killed, whereas the allergic antibody may persist for longer periods of 

 time, as it does in other conditions and diseases. In a case of treated 

 syphilis, therefore, showing a persistently negative Wassermann reaction 

 with both serum and spinal fluid, a positive luetin reaction does not 

 necessarily indicate that further treatment is required. 



3. Briefly stated, to determine if a frankly syphilitic patient requires 

 further treatment the Wassermann reaction with serum and cerebro- 

 spinal fluid is the better test. To determine more definitely whether 

 a given person showing a negative Wassermann reaction has ever had 

 syphilis the luetin reaction is the better and more conclusive test; or 

 if in such a person the Wassermann reaction is positive, the luetin test 

 may be used for control and as corroborative evidence. 



MALLEIN REACTION 



Mallein is a glycerin extract containing the toxic principles of the 

 Bacillus mallei, the microorganism causing glanders. It is used entirely 

 as a diagnostic agent in veterinary practice, but may also be used for 

 the diagnosis of human glanders, the dosage being the same as that of old 

 tuberculin. 



Two methods are commonly employed: (1) The subcutaneous in- 

 jection and (2) instillation into the eye (ophthalmic test). 



Method of Preparing Mallein. 1 A pure culture of Bacillus mallei is usually ob- 

 tained by injecting a male guinea-pig with infected material, and at the end of 

 twenty-four or forty-eight hours, isolating a pure culture from the testicle. 



The microorganism is grown for from six to eight weeks in special bouillon 

 containing 5 per cent, glycerin, at 37 C., similar to tuberculin. Unlike the tubercle 



1 Technic employed by the Penna. State Live Stock and Sanitary Board, Dr. 

 A. B. Hardenburgh, Director. 



