Six patients suffering from recurrent chest infections were found to lack antibodies to a pooled antigen obtained from six different serotypes of commensal Escherichia coli bacteria. All had normal serum IgG concentrations, but five subsequently benefited from regular gammaglobulin injections. We suggest that the absence of such E. coli antibodies usually indicates a clinically significant defect in antibody production. This simple screening test is of use in the diagnosis of primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders.

Tissue typing was performed on lymphocytes of 46 Jewish patients with psoriasis vulgaris. HLA B13, B17, B37 and Cw6 were found increased. It is suggested that the increase in the B and C locus antigens is inter-related and may determine the genetic predisposition for the development of this disease.

The proposed technique provides an inexpensive, totally harmless and rapid procedure for the collection of pregnancy serum having either HLA or anti B-cell cytotoxic activity, Its disadvantages are the necessity for large storage space and the relatively small volume of the obtainable serum.

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Abstract. Significantly reduced immunoglobulins were found in 22 patients with phenylketonuria. Tests of cellular immune function which included delayed skin hypersensitivity, T rosettes and PHA transformation were normal. Escherichia coli antibodies and the booster response to tetanus toxoid were also normal.