New Method for the Serological Grouping of Streptococci with Specific Antibodies Adsorbed to Protein A-Containing Staphylococci

Abstract

A coagglutinating reagent has recently been developed and utilized in capsule typing of pneumococci. The reagent consists of stabilized staphylococci coated with specific antibody via the gamma globulin Fc-protein A reaction thereby orienting the antibody molecules with the antigen-reactive Fab parts outwards. Reagent staphylococci coated with antibodies directed against streptococcal group-specific antigens have been used in the present investigations. Overnight cultures of streptococci were treated with trypsin and then directly tested for coagglutination of selected reagent staphylococci on glass slides. In all, 179 strains of streptococci were analyzed by the method described. The results were compared with grouping by using Lancefield extracts in counter-immunoelectrophoresis and were shown to agree completely. The coagglutination method described proved to be accurate, rapid, and simple.

Alteration of in vitro anti‐tumor activity of tumor‐bearer sera by absorption with Staphylococcus aureus, cowan I

“…On this basis, S. uureus containing protein A has been used as a solid phase antigamma globulin reagent in radioimmunoassays (Jonsson and Kronvall, 1974). It has been used to sero-type mycobacteria (Juhlin and Winblad, 1973), streptococci (Christensen et a/., 1973) and pneumococci (Kronvall, 1973). Most recently the IgG binding capacity of S. aureus, Cowan I, has been used to develop a simple diagnostic test to distinguish IgA or IgM from IgG rubella antibodies (Ankerst rt a/., 1974).…”

Serology of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae. Demonstration of Strain‐Specific Antigens by Immunoelectrophoresis, Immunofluorescence And Co‐Agglutination Techniques

“…The inherent autoagglutination of both virulent and avirulent GC cells (16,25) have made serological studies of these organisms by classical agglutination methods unrewarding (27, 30). The COA method offers an advantage from this point of view, since it is not influenced by autoagglutinating bacteria (6,10,17). It can also be used to study soluble antigenic fractions or antigens of disrupted organisms as shown in the present work and by others ( I 7, 20).…”

The Mechanism of the L‐agglutination of Streptococci by Sera From Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…The group B, C, D and G strains and the other group A streptococci used in the experiments were isolated from routine bacteriological specimens ; they were grouped as described previously (Christensen et al 1973). These strains were tested for uptake of IgG myeloma protein directly after isolation.…”

“…In view of these conflicting reports it was thought legitimate to investigate the mechanism of the agglutination, especially in the light of the new reports of the interaction between streptococci and immunoglobulins, in which the antibody combining sites are not involved (Kronuall 1973, Christensen & Kronuall 1974, Christensen & Oxelius 1974, Christensen 1975). In the present paper, the reaction standardized by Kalbak (1948) was used.…”