Skin Reactions to Filtrates of Haemolytic Streptococci in Acute and Subacute Nephritis 1

In a previous communication (1) it was noted that haemolytic streptococci isolated from the tonsils, adenoids or accessory nasal sinuses of cases of acute and subacute glomerular nephritis produced, in broth cultures, "toxins" which caused skin reactions similar to those caused by the "Dick Toxin." While studying the property of these filtrates, it was observed that intense skin reactions often occurred in patients suffering from acute and subacute nephritis associated with infections caused by haemolytic streptococci. A systematic study was, therefore, made of the incidence and intensity of the skin reac- tions to these bouillon filtrates of haemolytic streptococci in three groups of cases; first, patients suffering from acute and subacute nephritis; secondly, normal individuals and patients affected with miscellaneous conditions, and thirdly, patients suffering from uncom- plicated acute tonsillitis. There will be no attempt to discuss at this time the nature of these filtrates.