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J Bacteriol. 1969 February; 97(2): 581-588
Copyright © 1969 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Determination and Analysis of Actinomyces israelii Serotypes by Fluorescent-Antibody Procedures¹

^a Health Services and Mental Health Administration, National Communicable Disease Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30333

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to determine the antigenic relationships between serotypes of Actinomyces israelii with fluorescent-antibody (FA) procedures. In addition, the antigenic relationships between A. israelii and other members of the genus Actinomyces were studied by the same methods. Seven FA conjugates were used to determine the serological characteristics of 28 isolates believed to represent A. israelii, serotypes 1 and 2. The results showed that the lower dilutions of serotype 1 conjugates stained serotype 2 antigens; however, serotype 2 conjugates did not stain serotype 1 antigens. Serotype 1 conjugate could be made specific by adsorption. A. israelii serotype 1 conjugate cross-reacted also with A. naeslundii, but this cross-reaction could be eliminated by adsorption or dilution. Serotype 2 conjugate appeared to be specific for A. israelii serotype 2. Adsorption studies revealed antigenic variants among the various A. israelii serotype 1 and 2 isolates. However, all isolates could be identified by direct FA staining with appropriate conjugates. One isolate previously identified as A. israelii was shown, on the basis of FA studies, to be an A. naeslundii. A polyvalent diagnostic reagent was prepared which was specific for A. israelii serotypes 1 and 2. This reagent should find application in diagnostic and reference laboratories.

² Present address: Idaho State Health Department, Boise, Idaho.

¹ Portion of a dissertation submitted by the first author to the University of North Carolina in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Public Health in the School of Public Health. The laboratory research was performed at the Laboratory Program, National Communicable Disease Center, under the supervision of the second author.