The Detectability of Pneumococcal Capsular Polysaccharide and Antibody in Blood, Broth and Saline Solution (Optimal Concentration of Antigen and Antibody)

Abstract

Summary: The “optimal” concentrations of antibody (in mouse-protective units) required for the detection of capsular polysaccharide in blood, broth, and saline solution showed only slight variation among the types I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and XIV, and the “optimal” concentrations of specific soluble substance required for the detection of antibody were practically identical for these types. The minimal concentrations of SSS detectable in the different media as well as the minimal concentrations of precipitins detectable varied only slightly. The significance of these observations for the immunological study of pneumococcal pneumonia patients is discussed.