Carbohydrate fingerprints of streptococcal cells

The carbohydrates of whole cells of group A, B, C, D, F, and G streptococci were analyzed with a highly sensitive gas chromatographic procedure. Characteristic chromatographic fingerprints were obtained for each group of streptococci grown in broth cultures or as single colonies on a blood agar plate. Rhamnose, glucose, and N-acetylglucosamine were major components of all the groups. Groups A, C, and F contained very little galactose, and groups A and B showed almost a complete absence of N-acetylgalactosamine. Chromatograms obtained for group B streptococci were distinguished by the presence of 1,4-anhydroglucitol.