A Hemagglutination Test for Toxoplasmosis

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Abstract
Protein antigens were prepared by lysis in cold distilled water of toxoplasmas derived from peritoneal exudates of infected mice. These antigens were capable of sensitizing tannic acid-treated sheep erythrocytes so that the red cells formed characteristic agglutination patterns in the presence of immune human serums. Thirteen small lots of antigen were tested and found to give reproducible results. Agreement with dye test titers on a variety of human serums was usually very good. Inhibition tests showed the reaction to be specific for Toxoplasma. The hemagglutination test detected antibodies a few days later than the dye test but earlier than the complement fixation test in a proved human case of lym-phadenophathic toxoplasmosis. Methods of obtaining optimal dilutions of the test ingredients were described. Because of the use of a dead antigen and of other factors, the hemagglutination test has advantages over the dye test as to routine practicability.