Studies of Hemolytic Streptococcal Antibodies in Control Groups, Rheumatic Fever, and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Summary As a part of a larger study of hemolytic streptococcal infections, rheumatic fever, and rheumatoid arthritis, this study was undertaken to establish the incidence of several hemolytic streptococcal antibodies, antistreptolysin “O”, antifibrinolysin, and precipitins, (for group A carbohydrate and the “D”, “E”, “K”, and “P” proteic fractions), in 1336 control subjects. It has been shown that the incidence of hemolytic streptococcal antibodies in this control group was high in the year 1934–1935, and probably reflects a large incidence of sub-clinical hemolytic streptococcal infections in the groups studied.