Demonstration of shared antigens in the genus Clostridium by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Antigens prepared from several strains of each of 10 Clostridium species were used in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with antisera raised against whole cells of a representative strain from each of the 10 species killed by ultra-violet irradiation. With the exception of C. cadaveris, the antisera gave similar results with antigens prepared from all strains of the homologous species. Antigens prepared from 13 other clostridial species were then investigated in an ELISA system with the 10 representative antisera. The results showed many cross-reactions, particularly in the C. perfringens group, the C. difficile/sordelli group and the C. botulinum/novyi/sporogenes group.