Study of the Immunochemistry and Immunizing Properties of a Unique Antigenic Material Isolated from the Staphylococci

摘要

The report covers the work done thus far in studying the immunochemistry and immunizing properties of a polysaccharide slime layer material synthesized by all strains of S. aureus tested when cultured in a modified Staplylococcus No. 110 medium. The polysaccharide was found to be composed of galactose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glycerol phosphate, and some glucose. Glycine, alanine, glutamic acid, and proline were also associated with highly purified preparations of the polysaccharide. The purified slime layer material contained at least 2 antigens as determined by reaction with several antisera in gel diffusion or by immunoelectrophoresis. Hapten inhibition studies did not reveal the immunodominant determinant. One of the antigens in the slime layer was shown to sensitize sheep erythrocytes to hemagglutinate in the presence of antibody to the staphylococcus. A preliminary study of the usefulness of this hemagglutination test in diagnosing and following staphylococcal disease in patients is reported. Finally the effectiveness of the slime layer material in immunizing mice against experimental challenge infections with the mouse virulent Smith, diffuse strain of S. aureus or other strains is being studied. (Author)