PNEUMONIC SERUM

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 193, 10 May 1924, Page 7

PNEUMONIC SERUM

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT • i* y (Reo. May 9, 9.5 p.m. New York, May 8. The Department of Health, in conjunction with Harvard University Medical College, ttiais announced a new development in the technique, and quality of pneumonic serum injections, whereby it is expected the virulence of the disease may be decreased by 2o per cent., with a proportionate decrease in the death rate. Dr. L. B. Felton, of Harvard, said that only thirty-two old isolated antibodies were obtained from the serum of horses in whom pneumococci had been injected. These antibodies precipitated and concentrated, formed a. white chrystalline powder, which was intravenously injected in ■ 120 Luman cases and the effects. scientifically authenticated, showed encouraging results. , . . . . j>i Felton had previously . experimented upon mice, who had oeen mnoculated with disease, and every time he injected mtibodies the piice lived. Anti-pneumococcus serum itself has been known for a considerable time, but its value for use by private practitioners was radically diminished, due to the fact that it was weak and produced violent reactions, namely chills, rash and so-called serum sickness. Dr. .Felton’s achievement consists in making safe and effectue what formerly was a little known and hi<rhlv dangerous weapon to fight pneu-monia.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.