Problems in the Use of the in Vitro Toxigenicity Test forCorynebacterium diphtheriae

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Abstract
A method for the in vitro toxigenicity test for C. diphtheriae that has given accurate results when compared with tests in vivo is reported in detail. The major factors, such as the antitoxin, serum, and basal ingredients, that are known to cause erroneous results in the in vitro test are discussed. Antitoxins obtained from five sources were found to produce non-specific lines of precipitation with known nontoxigenic strains when used at the previously advocated concentration of 500 antitoxin units (AU) per ml. At a concentration of 100 AU per ml. of the only antitoxin currently commercially prepared in the United States, all 115 strains tested gave the correct reaction.

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