Detection of Staphylococcal Antibodies in Human Gamma Globulin and Serum by Hemagglutination Tests.

Abstract

Two modifications of a staphylococcal hemagglutination test, utilizing protease for treatment of erythrocytes, or Coombs'' antiserum, are described and are more sensitive than the basic hemagglutination method for titration of staphylococcal antibodies in human gamma globulin and serum. These antibodies probably are directed against an antigen of the Rantz type, as the antigen is heat stable at acid and labile at alkaline pH, and since both Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, in contrast to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus citreus, remove antibodies from human gamma globulin.