Serological Relationships of the Potato Scab Organism and Other Species of Streptomyces

Abstract

THE antigenic properties of actinomycetes were first demonstrated in 19041,2. Later, Douglas3–5 showed that Streptomyces scabies and other Streptomyces spp. liberated antigens into their growth media and that extracts of mycelium and spores contained antigenic substances. Douglas also reported that the actinomycetes which cause potato scab appeared to be closely related serologically and had a strong group antigen in common while the non-pathogenic aetinomycetes were more heterogeneous. Douglas reported, however, that there was no clear-cut division into pathogenic and saprophytic groups on the basis of serology. Because of the recent refinements in serological techniques it was decided to examine the serological relationship of S. scabies and other Streptomyces spp. using the agar-gel double-diffusion technique7. A rapid and reliable method of identifying S. scabies would be of great value in potato scab research.