A Comparison of the Antibacterial Activity of Humanserum and Oxalated Plasma on Strains of "Escherichia Coli" and "Aerobacter Aerogenes"

The addition of oxalate to human serum or plasma increased the rate of bactericidal action of the plasma and serum against certain recently isolated strains of Escherichia coli. Oxalate added to the serum and plasma of certain individuals inhibited or destroyed the bactericidal activity of the serum and plasma for some strains of Aerobacter aerogenes. I f allowed to act for 24 hours, serum from the 3 individuals tested was bactericidal for the strains of Escherichia coli and A erobacter aerogenes used. Oxalate decreased the complement of serum and plasma by 5 to 27% but did not inactivate the bactericidal substances effective against the strain of Escherichia coli used.