Hyperergic Tissue Response to Non-Hemolytic Streptococci.

Abstract

Two years ago in collaboration with Andrewes 1 , 2 we described a peculiar response in the skin of rabbits to the inoculation of certain non-hemolytic streptococci. This was termed the secondary reaction because it occurred after the primary reaction to the inoculation had subsided. It was shown 3 not to correspond in its various phases with the Arthus phenomenon which is induced in rabbits by immunization and subsequent skin injection with various coagulable proteins. We, therefore, suggested that if this were an allergic phenomenon it was of the type seen in tuberculosis. Our subsequent investigations have been guided by this hypothesis.

The object of this report is to describe some of the concomitant phenomena of the secondary reaction and suggest their significance.

Eye Reaction: If the locally anesthetized cornea of a rabbit, which has shown a well marked secondary reaction, is lightly scarified and a drop of broth culture sediment of homologous streptococci is instilled into the conjunctival sac, there usually follows a distinct interstitial keratitis, characterized by increasing congestion of the ocular conjunctiva, turbidity of the cornea, and ingrowth of vessels from the sclerocorneal junction; this is followed by a gradual subsidence of signs until only a slight scar remains. The signs usually begin 24 to 48 hours after inoculation and last from 4 to 8 days, sometimes longer. Occasionally the reaction is delayed several days. Normal rabbits and rabbits inoculated intravenously have never shown keratitis following similar eye inoculations.