Among the numerous immunologic changes occurring in s BE, one of the most significant appears to be the development of anti-gamma globulin (rheumatoid) factors in many patients. These factors react with 7S opsonic gamma G antibodies to inhibit phagocytosis of the invading bacteria; they may thus hold the key to the chronicity of the disease. Relevantly, with effective treatment of SBE, antiglobulin factors disappear.