Induction of cellular hypersensitivity to oral microorganisms in guinea-pigs

The ability of oral microorganisms (Actinomyces viscosus, Bacteroides melaninogenicus, Veillonella alcalescens and Streptococcus mutans) to elicit cellular hypersensitivity in guinea-pigs was investigated by the macrophage migration inhibition test. All animals sensitized with these microorganisms, emulsified in oil adjuvant, yielded peritoneal cells which were significantly inhibited in migration by the homologous bacterial antigen. These microorganisms showed no cross-reactions and there was little quantitative difference in their ability to elicit cellular hypersensitivity.