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Observations on Experimental Anthrax: Demonstration of a Specific Lethal Factor produced in vivo by Bacillus anthracis

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Abstract

AN enigma in the study of the cause of death in anthrax has been that no lethal endo- or exo-toxin has been found in cultures of the organism1–3. Recently, we have been able to demonstrate a factor in the plasma of guinea pigs dying of anthrax which is not only lethal but also specifically neutralized by anthrax antiserum. This communication describes briefly work which has led to this finding. A fuller report will be published elsewhere.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Microbiological Research Department, Porton, Wilts

    H. SMITH & J. KEPPIE

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  1. H. SMITH
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  2. J. KEPPIE
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SMITH, H., KEPPIE, J. Observations on Experimental Anthrax: Demonstration of a Specific Lethal Factor produced in vivo by Bacillus anthracis . Nature 173, 869–870 (1954). https://doi.org/10.1038/173869a0

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