Antibody response to group A streptococci in acute rheumatic fever.

The Streptozyme test was compared with the three conventional tests (ASO, AH and ASK). Two hundred and four human serum specimens were tested by each of four tests. Sera taken during acute phase from patients with acute rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis exhibited very high titers by the Streptozyme test. Titers of less than 100 would be considered negative and titers of 200 or greater highly suggestive or recent streptococcal infections by the Streptozyme test. The Streptozyme test appears to represent a simple, sensitive test for the detection of serum antibodies to streptococcal products. However, the complexity of the Streptozyme reagent suggests that more extensive studies are needed.