Specific antisera and immunological procedures for characterization of methanogenic bacteria

Specific antisera were raised in rabbits to 19 methanogenic bacteria representing the species available in pure culture at the present time. The antisera were characterized, labeled, and organized in a bank to serve as a source of material for preparation of antibody probes and thus provide standardized reagents for immunological analysis of methanogens. An indirect immunofluorescence procedure was standardized for optimal staining of homologous and heterologous bacterial strains. Two immunoenzymatic assays were developed: (i) a simple slide assay, useful for rapid antibody detection in small samples, antibody titrations, and disclosure of cross-reactions among methanogens, and (ii) a quantitative method. The latter is useful for quantification of antigenic relatedness. Procedural details were developed to obtain optimal bacterial preparations for use as immunogens to raise antibodies in vivo, and as antigens for antibody assay in vitro.