Anti-gamma haemolysin as a diagnostic test in staphylococcal osteomyelitis

The anti-alpha-haemolysin test is widely used in the diagnosis of staphylococcal osteomyelitis. An additional test would be welcomed because raised antibodies to this antigen are not seen in all proven cases. This communication reports that anti-gamma-lysin was present in the serum of most of the 19 patients with proven staphylococcal osteomyelitis studied here. In two cases followed up after chemotherapy was initiated both tests indicated the satisfactory progress of the patient.