The standardization of staphylococcal α-antitoxin, with special reference to anomalous haemolysins including δ-lysin

Abstract

1. Evidence is submitted that an anomalous rabbit cell lysin reported by Minett (1936), α₂-toxin and δ-haemolysin are identical. The last name is preferred.2. Precautions are necessary to avoid interference by δ-haemolysin in titrations of α-toxin and α-antitoxin.3. The existence of γ-haemolysin is confirmed; its wide distribution and possible confusion with α-toxin are noted. The name γ-toxin is thought more suitable than γ-hameolysin.4. Multiple standard antisera are desirable for the detection of anomalous toxins. At least one should be of refined globulin.5. Dilution and manipulation inactivate staphylococcal toxins and their effect needs consideiration in quantitative work. Infusion broth increases the stability of diluted α- and β-toxins.