Differentiation of 19S and 7S Complement Fixing Antibodies in Primary Versus Recrudescent Typhus by Either Ethanethiol or Heat.

Abstract

Summary The CF test can be modified so as to permit the differentiation of 19S and 7S antibodies in primary and secondary typhus infections. The 19S CF antibodies are markedly inhibited by the sulfhydryl compound ethanethiol and to a lesser degree by 60° C inactivation of the sera, The 7S CF antibodies are not inhibited by either of these procedures. The technic described may have application to the clinical and epidemiological investigation of other infectious diseases and may prove useful as a tool in studies of the immune globulins.