STUDIES ON POLYSACCHARIDE C OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS EPIDERMIDIS

Abstract

The antigenic properties of polysaccharide C (poly C) of S. epidermidis strongly support the analytical indications that it is an N‐acetylglucosaminylglycerol teichoic acid with 1:3‐phosphodiester linkages. The major antigenic determinant is N‐acetylglucosamine, predominantly present in the β‐configuration. Also anti‐glycerophosphate antibodies are produced, apparently dependent on the degree of glycosylation. Purified poly C was unable to sensitize either normal or tanned sheep erythrocytes for agglutination in antisera.

Antibodies in Rabbits Immunized With Staphylococcal Lipoteichoic Acid

“…Thus, if antibodies against the glycerophosphate backbone are of the IgG class, no antibodies of this specificity are present. The degree of sugar substitution has been shown to influence the antibody response to the polyol-phosphate backbone (7). Furthermore, the animal species, the vaccine composition and the route of administration selected are important factors in this connection.…”