Anti-Colon Streptococcus Serum. 241 



After the horse had been under treatment for about 8 weeks, 

 a trial bleeding was made and the titre of the serum determined by 

 the use of the agglutination test as used by the Hygienic Labora- 

 tory for the testing of Anti-Meningococcic Serum. Based on the 

 results of the tests of the trial bleedings, an adjustment was made 

 in the proportion of the individual components of the mixed 

 antigen in order that the serum should be as well balanced as 

 possible. 



It was found, however, that in spite of all efforts to promote 

 the formation of antibodies to each strain of bacteria used in the 

 injection of the horse that agglutinins, at least, were never pro- 

 duced in measurable amounts to a few strains. This of course is 

 not unique as many have found that some strains of bacteria do 

 not induce antibody formation. 



A few weeks after the trial bleeding the horse was bled for 

 production by taking 6 liters of blood six days after the last injec- 

 tion and 6 liters 48 hours later. The serum from the two bleedings 

 was combined, four tenths of one per cent, tricresol added, filtered 

 through Berkefeld filters, tested for sterility and for certain 

 antibodies. 



It was found that the serum agglutinized all of the strains of 

 B. Coli except two in dilutions from 1-100 to 1-400 and that all 

 of the strains of streptococci were agglutinated in dilutions from 

 1 to 200 to 1 to 400. 



In addition complement fixation tests with the serum gave 

 fixation but not to a high degree with both the hemolytic and non- 

 hemolytic groups of streptococci. 



Protection tests in animals have not been made but it is 

 believed that sufficient data has been accumulated in the literature 

 to justify the advance of the opinion that a properly prepared 

 anti-streptococcic serum will afford a considerable measure of 

 protection against streptococci if given 12 to 18 hours before the 

 bacteria are injected. There is not the same data for an anti- 

 colon serum as but few attempts have been made to make and 

 use such a serum. 



While most are agreed as to the possibility of giving protection 

 to animals by the previous administration of an anti-streptococcic 

 serum, there is considerable difference of opinion as to the curative 

 value of such a serum, although the weight of opinion is in its favor- 



