Positive Flocculation Tests in Rabbits Inoculated with Flocculate from Human Syphilitic Serum

Conclusions

(1) For lack of a better name, the antibodies causing flocculation of antigen in human syphilitic serum might be termed “flocculins”. (2) It has been shown that flocculate obtained from human syphilitic serum, by means of flocculation tests for syphilis, will cause positive flocculation tests in rabbits when inoculated intravenously. Such reactions will remain positive for at least 2 months after the last injection. Rabbits inoculated with antigen emulsion alone do not develop positive flocculation tests. (3) Apparently, the serological factors involved in the formation of “flocculins” in the animal body are influenced by ether anesthesia. (4) Flocculate obtained from the serum of a rabbit injected with flocculate from human syphilitic serum, will cause the formation of “flocculins” in another rabbit when injected intravenously. (5) The serum of a rabbit inoculated with a definite number of flocculate units, may develop many more units than were thus injected.