292 MODERN BIOLOGIC THERAPEUSIS 



rheumatism has not yet been definitely proven ; 

 but extensive research by numerous investiga- 

 tors has demonstrated the presence of strepto- 

 cocci or pneumococci in the joint fluid. Favor- 

 able results are being reported from the use of 

 a combined vaccine in articular rheumatism. 

 The initial dose of such a combined vaccine con- 

 tains 100 million streptococci and 50 million 

 pneumococci; subsequent doses being increased 

 according to clinical symptoms. The subsidence 

 of pain is the first symptom of relief, followed 

 by lessened inflammation of the joints. A very 

 important feature of the vaccine treatment of 

 articular rheumatism is that it materially re- 

 duces the number of heart complications which 

 so commonly follow this disease. 



For information concerning the use of bac- 

 terial vaccines in the treatment of gonorrheal 

 rheumatism, see arthritis under gonococcus in- 

 fections on page 269. 



