STUDIES ON INDIFFERENT STREPTOCOCCI : III. THE ALLERGIZING CAPACITY OF DIFFERENT STRAINS

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Streptococci are bacteria known to cause various infections.
• Allergic responses can be triggered by microbial agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the allergizing potential of indifferent streptococci in a rabbit model.
• To determine the relationship between streptococcal strains and host allergic reactivity.

Main Methods:

• Intradermal inoculation of rabbits with varying doses of indifferent streptococci.
• Observation and quantification of secondary skin reactions at inoculation sites.
• Assessment of positive ophthalmic reactions following sensitization.

Main Results:

• Indifferent streptococci demonstrated significant efficiency as allergizing agents.
• High percentages of secondary reactions and positive ophthalmic responses were observed.
• Type I streptococci exhibited the highest allergizing capacity, while non-inulin-fermenting Group X strains showed the least.
• Variations in streptococcal allergizing capacity and host reactivity were evident.

Conclusions:

• Indifferent streptococci are potent inducers of allergic sensitization in rabbits.
• The strain of streptococcus significantly influences the degree of allergic response.
• Host reactivity plays a crucial role in the outcome of streptococcal-induced allergies.