DETERMINAÇÃO DA TOXIGENIÇIDADE DO C. DIPHTHERIAE "IN VITRO"

Abstract

The in vitro test of Elek for determining the toxigenicity of C. diphtheriae has been tried in 156 strains of our bacterial collection. The technique uscd was not the original one but a modification advised by Frobisher. The results were. identic to the virulence intradermal rabbit test o f Frazer. We recommend the test as routine lahoratory procedure for its reliability, simplicity and economical characteristics. Many aspects of the subject are still under investigation such as its use for the rapid diagnosis of diphteria and its performance with various concentrations of antitoxin.