THE PRECIPITIN REACTION OF ANTIPNEUMOCOCCUS SERA

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Abstract
The mechanism of the precipitin reaction between antipneumococcus sera and the type-specific soluble carbohydrate is investigated. The sensitivity of the reaction is found to be generally constant when expressed by the product of the concentrations of the 2 reacting substances. Precipitin index (P. I.) is defined as one-millionth of the reciprocal value of this product. Zonal phenomena and their bearing on absolute concentration and equivalent weight antibody are discussed. The greater tendency towards exhibition of a post-zone in Type III is connected with the lower acid equivalent of the homologous specific carbohydrate. Addition of normal serum as well as increase in pH promote the pro-zone; decrease in Ph promotes the post-zone. Sensitivity of the reaction is accordingly influenced by pH in different ways, depending on range of concentration. The precipitin index allows the recognition and elimination of zonal irregularities. Thus it offers a method for standardization of pneumonia antibody.

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