Antigenic Constitution of Malleomyces Pseudo-Mallei. II. Demonstration of Existence of Antigens M, K and O and Study of their Immunologic Properties
Abstract
The study of the different culture types of Malleomyces pseudomallei suggests the existence of three antigens: a mucoid antigen M, a capsular antigen K and a somatic antigen O. This report demonstrates their existence by serological tests based upon their difference in sensitivity to the action of formol, ethyl alcohol, heat and normal hydrochloric acid and upon inagglutinabilities caused by these antigens. The properties of the M antigen of Whitmore's bacillus are similar to those of the M antigen of the Enterobacteriaceae. This antigen produces an agglutination which may be partially dissociated in tubes and appears rapidly on slides. It causes K and O- inagglutinability. Antigen K behaves like a capsular antigen. It gives a 'crape type' agglutination on centrifugation, total and immediate on slides. It determines an O-inagglutinability or hypo-agglutinability variable according to the extent of the dissociation OK to OKm to O, which can be total with a bacterial suspension treated with 50% alcohol. The somatic antigen O is comparable to that of the Gramnegatives. It gives granular agglutination by centrifugation, tardy on slides.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0842480
Entities
People
- J. Fournier
- L. Chambon
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories