ALPHA TOXOID OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS

The immunogenicity of α toxoid resided not in the residual undenatured toxin but in the toxoid itself. The toxoid preparations derived from purified toxin showed a high immunogenicity in guinea pigs, while those prepared from crude toxin a low immunogenicity. It was indicated, however, that the immunogenicities to rabbits were on the same level. It is discussed that α toxoid from purified toxin may be useful in the prevention of human gas gangrene, but κ antigen may be less important.