GROUP A HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCUS ANTIBODIES. II. GRIFFITH TYPE AGGLUTININ AND ANTISTREPTOLYSIN TITERS IN CARRIERS AND NON-CARRIERS

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Abstract
The Group A hemolytic streptococcus agglutinin and the antistreptolysin titers of the sera of 64 children were measured just previous to tonsillectomy. 33 of these individuals were demonstrated to be Group A carriers by culture of the excised tonsils. The sera of carriers contained larger amts. of agglutinins and antistreptolysin than did that of non-carriers. When the carrier state was terminated by tonsillectomy there was a constant decline in antistreptolysin titer within 60 days, and a less regular fall in agglutinin titer. It seems probable that the presence of Group A streptococci in the tonsil contributes to the maintenance of elevated levels of antistreptolysin and possibly of agglutinins.