Life Situations and Serum Antibody Titers

Abstract

An expt. was undertaken to determine the possible relationship between emotional disturbances and resistance to infection. Resistance to infection was evaluated in terms of changes in antibody concns. Four trained observers served as subjects over a 20-week period. Blood samples were secured from each subject before lunch 3 times a week. Serums were tested against the PR8 strain of influenza A virus, the Lee strain of influenza B virus, the No. 9 strain of Streptococcus MG, and for cold hemag-glutinins. Each subject kept a diary of bodily symptoms and of character of sleep, dreams, energy, efficiency, and mood. The antibody titers were remarkably constant except in 2 instances where there was an infection with influenza B virus. No correlation was evident between emotional disturbances in the subjects and fluctuations in antibody titers.