Further Observations on the Toxins of Hemolytic Streptococci

Abstract

Abstract It is obviously important that a definite conclusion be reached as to whether, with present methods, it is possible to distinguish a specific group of scarlet fever streptococci. Although agglutination reactions are undoubtedly of value in bringing out certain variations, any differentiation of practical significance must be based ultimately on the action of the toxin. In a report presented last year (1) we recorded the results of studies with a hundred and fifty strains of hemolytic streptococci from different sources, tested on goats. The results of these tests indicate no fundamental qualitative or quantitative differences in the toxins of scarlet and non-scarlet fever streptococci. Similar observations have since been recorded. Dr. Anna Williams (2), Dr. E. C. Rosenow (3) and other investigators find that hemolytic streptococci from infections other than scarlet fever frequently produce toxins similar to those of the scarlet fever streptococci and they also report variable reactions in different individuals.