The Effect of Moloney Test on the Immunity against Diphtheria

Abstract

The Schick and Moloney tests were given to 146 older children and 55 adults and the antitoxin titer in their sera were measured, obtaining the results as follows:
1) Almost all the cases who showed a negative Schick reaction, revealed over 1/30 AU/ml (Schick level) and none of them below 1/1000 AU/ml.
2) Relatively large number of cases showed to have sufficient antitoxin titer even among those who showed a positive Schick reaction.
3) Many cases were able to obtain an increased antitoxin titer, after having received the Moloney test which was previously thought only to show sensitivity to toxoid. Especially 82.6% of the cases, which had the titer ranging between 1/1000 to 1/30 AU/ml, demonstrated a high increase of the titer over 1/30 AU/ml, except for one case. The cases which showed a strong positive Moloney reaction, even with antitoxin titer below 1/1000 AU/ml in their serum, were recognized to show a satisfactory increase of the titer after the Moloney test.
According to the results of Schick and Moloney tests, it is possible to choose adequate persons who need to have the passive immunization, the booster immunization, of diphtheria toxoid. That is:
1) The persons having a negative Schick reaction need no booster injection.
2) The persons having a positive Schick reaction should be divided into three groups depending upon the severity of the Moloney reaction.
a) The strongly positive group (++) does not need to have the toxoid.
b) Among the moderately positive group (+), only those who are still positive to the Schick test after one month, should receive a minute dosage of the toxoid.
c) The negative group (-) should receive the toxoid in full dosage immediately.
It will be concluded that the past objectable side effect is able to be prevented and the more safe and reliable effect of prevention is expected by tihs method.