The Serological Classification of Bacillus Diphtheriae

Abstract

1. Evidence is given that there exists a multiplicity of serological groups of B. diphtheriae.2. Ten of these groups have been studied in this communication.3. Into these ten groups could be placed all except 16 of 348 strains of virulent B. diphtheriae investigated.4. A description of the technical difficulties encountered is included in the hope that this may prove of service to other workers.Some evidence on the antigenic structures of different strains is advanced.5. The application of this method of investigation to the problems of epidemiology is briefly discussed, and evidence of its value brought forward.