Abstract
1. The correlation is high between the clinical and
the serological diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis when the absorption test is used (66 %).
2. The direct Paul-Bunnell test is of limited value
especially in late and relapsed cases.
3. In high -titre cases, e.g. 1/256, the direct test
will suffice, but a considerable number of cases
may never reach such high titre.
4. Definite sero-negative cases occur; they form a low percentage of this series. (26 %)
5. Variations in titre during the illness have been
recorded.
6. An application of Barrett's absorption technique
to a series of.cases which had received serum
therapy did not give satisfactory results, for
complete absorption of the antibody, by either of
the antigens employed was not demonstrated.
7. There appears to be a non -specific stimulation of
the normal heterophile antibody in acute febrile
illnesses.
8. It is suggested that an abridged absorption test
should be employed in the routine serological
diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis
