Further studies of streptococcal infection in normal and splenectomized monkeys.

Abstract

ConclusionsIntravenous challenge of rhesus monkeys with T14 and S23 strains of Group A hemolytic streptococci was followed by similar clinical and laboratory evidence of infection, and the former strain appeared somewhat more virulent. Aerosol challenge with the T14 strain produced no demonstrable disease but did offer some partial protection to subsequent intravenous challenge 4 weeks later. No significant differences were noted between splenectomized and normal monkeys in reference to fatal outcome after challenge 5-12 days after surgery. However, splenectomized monkeys challenged at the S-day period either died earlier, or if they survived had longer periods of clinical illness, than their nonsplenectomized controls.