Immunological aspects of infections part 18

Antibodies to streptococcal antigens other than M protein are slow to appear, and most likely do not play a role in limiting the infections. However, antibodies to streptolysin O and deoxyribonuclease B have become important clinical tools to determine whether a given individual has had a recent streptococcal infection. This is partially true if a blood sample drawn at the onset and one drawn 10 to 14 days later show a marked rise in the titer. Contrary to the dogma, both skin infection with group A streptococci can stimulate the production of both antibodies.