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Immunochemical cross-reactions between type III group B Streptococcus and type 14 Streptococcus pneumoniae
Abstract:
Serological cross-reactions between certain streptococci and some serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae have been reported. These studies detail the serological cross-reactivity observed between hot HCl-extracted group b streptococcus type III (GBS III) antigens and S. pneumoniae type 14 (Pn 14) polysaccharide. Similar electrophoretic migration patterns of GBS III and Pn 14 were observed when either type-specific BGS III antisera or pneumococcal omniserum was utilized to precipitate these antigens. Both the GBS III antigen and the Pn 14 polysaccharide migrated toward the cathode, whereas all other pneumococcal polysaccharides migrated toward the anode. No cross-reactions were observed between GBS III antisera and the 11 other types of pneumococcal polysaccharides. Lines of identity were observed between type-specific GBS III antisera and monospecific Pn 14 antiserum with either GBS III antigens or purified Pn 14 polysaccharide. The cross-reacting antigens of GBS III and Pn 14 appear to be identical by immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis.
Insights
Serological cross-reactions were found between group B Streptococcus type III and Streptococcus pneumoniae type 14. These findings suggest identical antigens are responsible for the observed cross-reactivity in these bacterial types.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Serological cross-reactions between different bacterial species can complicate accurate identification and diagnosis.
- Previous reports indicate cross-reactivity between certain streptococci and Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and detail the serological cross-reactivity between group B Streptococcus type III (GBS III) antigens and Streptococcus pneumoniae type 14 (Pn 14) polysaccharide.
- To determine if the cross-reacting antigens are identical.
Main Methods:
- Hot HCl extraction of GBS III antigens.
- Immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis techniques.
- Precipitation of antigens using type-specific GBS III antisera and pneumococcal omniserum.
Main Results:
- GBS III and Pn 14 antigens exhibited similar electrophoretic migration patterns, migrating towards the cathode.
- All other tested pneumococcal polysaccharides migrated towards the anode.
- Lines of identity in immunodiffusion confirmed cross-reactivity between GBS III antisera and Pn 14 antiserum with the respective antigens.
- No cross-reactions were observed between GBS III antisera and 11 other pneumococcal types.
Conclusions:
- The cross-reacting antigens of GBS III and Pn 14 are immunologically identical.
- This immunological identity explains the observed serological cross-reactivity between these bacterial types.