The Antigenic Structure of Haemophilus and Corynebacterium Species from the Human Genital Tract Claimed to be Associated with or Derived from Mycoplasma Hominis

Abstract

SUMMARYThe antigenic structure of Haemophilus vaginalis (Gardner & Dukes, Edmunds, and h i e s & Jones strains) was compared by means of geldiffusion precipitin reactions with that of H . injlwenxae and Corynebacterium cervicis (Laughton). Haemophilus vaginalis (Amies & Jones) was closely related to H . injluenzae, and formed a group with related species; H . vaginalis (Gardner & Dukes) and C . cervicis formed separate groups; but all three groups possessed common antigenic components.These strains of bacteria are among those reported as being related to Mycoplasma hominis, and their antigenic relationships are thus of importance in this connexion.

Antigenic Relationships Between Oral Group D Streptococci, Some Haemophilus Species and Mycoplasma hominis

“…There can be seen the imbalance that is customarily shown in reactions of this type, according to whether the antigenic component is represented in the antigen or in the antiserum (TaylorRobinson, Canchola, Fox & Chanock, 1964;Pease & Laughton, 1965;Pease, 1965b).…”

“…Ultrasonically disintegrated antigens were prepared from all strains ; corresponding antisera against the group A streptococcus and L-form, four group D streptococci, four Haemophilus inJEuenzae and one L-form, and the three type mycoplasmas, one bacterial mycoplasma-variant and two H . vaginalis strains were made, and geldiffusion precipitin tests and antigen and antibody-absorption reactions were performed, all according to the methods described by Pease & Laughton (1965) and Pease (1965 b), including all the same controls against false reactions.…”

“…A group of strains was chosen as a basis for analysis which embodied a convenient spectrum of known antigens in the system of Pease & Laughton (1965) and Pease (I 965 b). These were two strains of ' Haemophilus vaginalis ', Edmunds, (GP 2, GP 7) originally obtained from Dr P. N. Edmunds; one of a vaginal strain of Mycoplasma hominis (~2 6 ) , obtained from Dr D. G. ff.…”

Lipolytic Activity by Oral Pleuropneumonia-Like (Mycoplasma) Organisms

“…Decomposition was indicated by the production of a f i l m over the growth and precipitation beneath the agar. Pease & Laughton (1965). Growth-inhibition tests (Edward & Fitzgerald, 1954) were done on plates of basal medium agar with filter-paper discs soaked in undiluted rabbit antiserum.…”

“…Fluorescent antigen antibody tests were observed by the use of fluorescein-linked fowl anti-rabbit serum on colony impression preparations (Chanock, Hayfhck & Barile, 1962). Antisera were prepared as described by Pease & Laughton, (1965).…”