Reciprocal Tests Research Articles

The differentiation of types of poliomyelitis viruses. IV. By reciprocal neutralization tests.

Journal Article THE DIFFERENTIATION OF TYPES OF POLIOMYELITIS VIRUSES: IV. BY RECIPROCAL NEUTRALIZATION TESTS Get access HOWARD A. HOWE HOWARD A. HOWE Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 54, Issue 1, July 1951, Pages 113–131, https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a119462 Published: 01 July 1951 Article history Received: 28 April 1951 Published: 01 July 1951

The field distribution of strains of nodule bacteria from species of Medicago

Tests of nodulation and ability to fix nitrogen, together with serological reactions, are reported for localized isolates from Medicago hispida var. denticulata and M. laciniata. For a particular host species strains were distributed randomly within the area investigated, except that a particular somatic antigen found among M. laciniata isolates was limited to one locality. In reciprocal tests between isolates from these two hosts, nodulation has been mainly confined to the homologous host. Although some strains fail in laboratory tests to nodulate the homologous host and although separation into two groups is not complete, there are relatively few cases of discrepancy and many of these show intermediate characteristics. Medicago sativa and Melilotus alba are generally readily nodulated by isolates from both field hosts. The nodulation differences between strains from the two field hosts are paralleled to some extent by serological properties, but it is suggested that this correlation shows recent common origin of similar strains rather than any fundamental relationship between invasibility and antigenic constitution. Effective association was seldom, if at all, achieved with M. laciniata, whereas with other testing hosts effective responses were in the majority and even included a number of isolates originating from M. laciniata and ineffective with that species as host.

The Alkalescens-Dispar Group

Recently, Kauffmann (26) proposed a classification of the family Enterobacteriaceae in which the microorganisms known as Shigella alkalescens and Shigella dispar were removed from the genus Shigella and included in a special group termed the Alkalescens-Dispar group. The new group was placed in the tribe Eschericheae. Kauffmann's decision to make these changes was logical, and it was based upon the results of his investigations (cited below) on the relationships of S. alkalescens and S. dispar cultures to certain of the established 0 groups of Escherichia coli (15, 23, 26, 27, 32) and upon the biochemical behavior of S. alkalescens and S. dispar cultures. The work of other investigators on the relationships of these and other microorganisms to members of the genus Escherichia affords ancillary evidence for Kauffmann's conclusions (for example, see 16, 31). Frantzen (18), utilizing the methods recommended by Kauffmann (23, 24, 25), proposed an antigenic schema (table 1) for the AlkalescensDispar (A-D) group based upon an extensive study of the relationships of its members to each other and to E. coli 0 groups. Kauffmann (26) reported that certain types now included in the A-D group contain K antigens. Frantzen confirmed this fact and reported the presence of K antigens of the L and A types in certain A-D cultures. A detailed study of the K antigens of cultures of the A-D group is in progress (19). The results of agglutination tests which reveal the 0 antigen relationships of members of the A-D group to each other and to known E. coli 0 groups are given in tables 2, 3, and 4. The results of reciprocal absorption tests with 0 antiserums prepared with members of the A-D and' E. coli groups confirm the relationships between these groups that are described by Kauffmann and by Frantzen. The results of our tests indicate that A-D 08 and E. coli 081 are 0-identical. The Alkalescens-Dispar schema affords a practical means for the identification and reporting of its members. Since the members of the A-D group are related closely to, or are identical with, certain E. coli 0 groups, it would be feasible to classify these microorganisms as anaerogenic E. coli cultures of the several 0 groups. We are in accord with Kauffmann's view that such a change is not advisable at this time. However, if new types are found, they may be described as anaerogenic Escherichia cultures related to, or identical with, cer*Bacteriologists, Laboratory Services, Communicable Disease Center, Public Health Service, Atlanta, Ga.

STUDIES ON THE STREPTOCOCCI ("ENTEROCOCCI") OF LANCEFIELD GROUP D

In the course of carrier studies on infants and on cultures isolated from infected persons in the same age group, a large number of strains classified as group D (Lancefield) were encountered. The frequency with which these strains were encountered, together with the relative scarcity of work done on this serologic group as compared with that on the Lancefield group A (in which the majority of organisms causing human infections are placed) seemed to justify analysis. The present interest in group D was further stimulated by the isolation of a strain of streptococci, originally misclassified as group E in another laboratory, from an infant with an acute, fulminating infection. It was not until rabbits had been immunized with this strain and reciprocal absorption tests had been done with the resulting serum and with known strains of the various serologic groups that the correct identity of this strain was established. The

Cross Protection Between Heterologous Agglutinogenic Types of Beta Hemolytic Streptococci of Group A

Summary Two antiserums, prepared with strain 1475 of type 6 and 1072 of type 23, were found to protect mice against infection with strains of many types. An immunogenic group which includes strains of types 6 and 18 and one tested strain each of types 15 and 19 was established by reciprocal cross-protective tests. Other immunogenic groupings of agglutinogenic types suggested by similarity of reactions with six protective antiserums are as follows: 23–28; 2-11-12-27-30; 9–13.

The bacteriological classification of the principal cultures used in rat and mouse control in Great Britain

1. The six ‘viruses’, Liverpool, Danysz, London, Ready Rat Relief, Institut Pasteur and Ratin, which are the principal bacterial cultures at present employed for anti-rodent control in Great Britain, have been examined. 2. By means of reciprocal absorption tests all these six strains were found to be serologically identical with S. enteritidis Gaertner, antigenic structure, IX:gom:—. 3. From the results of the fermentation tests, which may be used to subdivide this serological type, Liverpool, Danysz, Ready Rat Relief and Ratin were assigned to the var. danysz subgroup; while the London and Institut Pasteur strains could not be distinguished from the classic S. enteritidis type. 4. Both of these subgroups are pathogenic for man, and evidence is cited which shows quite clearly that human cases of gastro-enteritis have been caused by the use of virus preparations. There are, also, reasonable grounds for believing that these bacterial types may be pathogenic for a number of domestic animals, including some poultry.

RECIPROCAL TRANSMISSION TESTS WITH INFECTIOUS CATARRH OF CHICKENS, MICE, AND RATS

Infectious catarrh of chickens (fowl coryza of slow onset) was not transmissible to mice or rats by nasal instillation of the specific coccobacilliform bodies. Exudates were also inactive in both rodents on foot pad injection. The infectious catarrhs of the mouse and the rat were reciprocally transmissible by the nasal injection of exudates or tissue cultures of the respective coccobacilliform bodies and by direct contact. Exudates and cultures also produced an arthritic reaction in both hosts on foot pad injection. The coccobacilliform bodies of mouse catarrh were innocuous in chickens on nasal instillation, whereas those of rat catarrh were established locally but were maintained for only two passages. In the opposite host each of the two rodent forms of infectious catarrh reproduced the typical features of the naturally acquired disease, a highly fatal pneumonia being characteristic of the mouse but not of the rat.

Agglutinin Absorption by Different Strains of Phytomonas stewarti

1. Strains of Phytomonas stewarti that differed in virulence, colony type, physiology, and agglutination reaction were tested for ability to absorb agglutinins from immune sera. All the strains tested absorbed most of the agglutinins from both homologous and heterologous sera, indicating that they were similar in most essentials. The failure of some strains to agglutinate after absorbing agglutinins was apparently due to their resistance to this reaction. 2. Some differences were observed between the strains from Mexico (B-107), New York (B-8), and New Jersey (B-11). The strains from Mexico and New York failed to absorb all the agglutinins from the antiserum for the New Jersey strain. In reciprocal tests, the New Jersey strain failed to absorb all the agglutinins from immune sera of the other two strains. 3. The differences in serological properties were not closely correlated with any other characteristic, such as virulence or colony type.

THE APPLICATION OF SEROLOGICAL METHODS TO THE DIFFERENTIATION OF CLOSELY RELATED SMUT FUNGI

Serological methods were applied in an attempt to differentiate a number of closely related members of the family Ustilaginaceae. The results of two series of reciprocal precipitin-ring tests showed that different genera and species of the same family were satisfactorily differentiated by this technique; so also were compatible cultures of the same species, where no detectable differences existed, other than the necessity of the haploid counterparts being brought together on the appropriate host plant to induce the diploid phase, and subsequent infection of the host. A parent culture and its mutant that were different morphologically but alike in their pathogenicity, were the only ones that could not be differentiated by this technique. Reciprocal absorption tests were applied to these two fungi, but the powder of either culture absorbed the antibodies of both from the immune sera. Optimal proportions of antigen and antibody were determined, but could not be applied in absorption tests because of the dilution of antisera. Agglutination tests were attempted but were unfruitful.

Precipitin-Ring Test Applied to Fungi. II

1. Potent antisera and test antigens (giving maximum titers of 1:25,600) were prepared from 34 species and strains of fungi by using fractions soluble in 0.85% NaCl solution. 2. The fractions of some organisms exhibited sufficient specificity to permit differentiation, but in most cases cross precipitin reactions were so strong that identification was impossible. In a few cases absorption of precipitins differentiated fungi not separable by the precipitin test. 3. Thus in a limited number of reciprocal tests, members of the Pezizales (Sclerotinia species) were differentiated from members of the Hypocreales (Neurospora tetrasperma, Fusarium species, and a species each of Cylindrocarpon and Ramularia), certain ones of which were in turn distinguished from one another. Strong group reactions occurred among all members of the genus Fusarium tested. The precipitin test did not permit as sharp differentiation between the monilioid strains of N. tetrasperma and the Fusarium group as it did between Fusarium speci...

RECIPROCAL AGGLUTINATION AND ABSORPTION OF AGGLUTININ TESTS WITH FIFTY-FOUR STRAINS OF HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI ASSOCIATED WITH AN EPIDEMIC OF PUERPERAL FEVER

1. A study has been made by means of agglutination and absorption of agglutinin tests, of the antigenic relationships of 54 strains of hemolytic streptococci associated with an epidemic of puerperal fever in a large city obstetric hospital. 2. These organisms were cultured from the blood, vaginae, peritoneal cavities and metastatic foci of patients, from the noses and throats of patients and staff members and from the peritoneum and axillary abscess of two of the nurses. 3. In preliminary agglutination tests twenty-one out of thirty-one cultures from the patients and nine out of twenty-three cultures from the hospital personnel, fell into a single agglutinative group. 4. By reciprocal agglutination and absorption of agglutinin tests, six of these strains were demonstrated to be antigenically identical. Two of these came from patients' blood cultures, three from patients' vaginal cultures and one from the nasal culture of one of the nurses. This nurse was, however, not the original carrier for she did not join the hospital staff until after the epidemic began. 5. By agglutination and complete absorption of agglutinin, sixteen more strains showed their antigenic similarity to, if not identity with, these other six strains. Four of these sixteen came from metastatic foci and two from the vaginae of four of the five patients which had yielded from another source, the identical strains mentioned in 4. Nine came from eight other patients and one from the axillary abscess of a nurse. No reciprocal tests were possible with these sixteen strains because sera had not been prepared against them. 6. Five other strains which completely absorbed agglutinin had evidently lost their ability to agglutinate. Two of these strains were from the blood cultures and two from the vaginal cultures of two fatal cases. One was from the peritoneal cavity of a nurse. 7. Two of these five strains when injected into rabbits in the usual way for the purpose of producing agglutinating antiserum, stimulated the production of sera which agglutinated completely the six antigenically identical strains but failed to agglutinate the homologous strains used to produce the respective sera. 8. These two strains therefore retained the antigenic properties first of stimulating the agglutinating antibody in normal animals and second of uniting with the agglutinating antibody in the serum but lost the ability to bring about the second phase of agglutination-namely flocculation. 9. We have demonstrated, therefore, a more or less permanent splitting of the phenomenon of agglutination.