Correlation between DDT serum levels and the diphtheric antibody titer in the female

Abstract

Diphtheric antibody titer and blood levels of DDT were determined in 28 female children in order to establish some possible correlation between the two. To measure the DDT level in the blood, the gas chromatographic method was employed; to titrate the antibodies, passive hemagglatination-inhition was performed. The presence of op'DDT and the amount of pp'DDT were statistically correlated to the titer, and a positive correlation was established by non-parametric statistical methods. The possible influence of DDT on the cyclic AMP system of immune-active cells is discussed explaining these results.