Serological identification of Actinomyces using fluorescent antibody techniques

Species-specific FITC conjugated antiserum can be prepared for each of the five species of Actinomyces and for Arachnia propionica. These serums can be used for rapid and specific identification of pure or mixed cultures of the bacteria and for identification of organisms seen in direct smears of clinical material or in tissue sections. Two serotypes each of A bovis, A odontolyticus, A israelii, A viscosus, and A propionica have been established, and A naeslundii has been tentatively divided into four serotypes.