Enhancement of Heterophile and Bacterial Agglutination Titers by Means of Serum Diluent.

Abstract

Routine heterophile and bacterial agglutination tests were done comparing saline and pooled human or rabbit serum as a diluent. Titrations using plasma, ascitic fluid and 20% bovine albumin diluents were also carried out. The following bacterial antigens were studied: Typhoid, Paratyphoid A and B, Shigella, Brucella, and paracolon. Heterophile and various bacterial agglutination titers were significantly en- hanced by the use of serum diluent instead of saline. Similar results were obtained with plasma, ascitic fluid and bovine albumin diluent.