Differentiation of Mycobacterial Species and Strains and the Detection of Common and Specific Antigens by Micro Two-Dimensional Immunoelectrophoresis

Abstract

A “micro’ modification of a two-dimensional immunoelectrotic (2D-IEP) method (2) applicable for the differentiation of mycobacterial species and strains is described. The method has improved rapidity (3 1/2 hr) and economy of antiserum (1.4 ml), while retaining the sensitivity (29-60 precipitin curves) of the “macro” 2D-IEP system. With this system, it was possible to differentiate between the species and strains examined on the bases of the precipitin patterns obtained using a single high titer anti-mycobacterium antiserum. In order to differentiate which precipitin peak(s) represented unique antigens from common antigens, a modified Osserman 2D-IEP technique was employed. This permitted the detection of common, species specific, and strain specific antigens.