Improved streptococcal grouping antisera containing polyethylene glycol

Antisera to streptococcal groups A through G containing 4% polyethylene glycol 6000 were prepared and evaluated. Seventy strains of homologous and heterologous beta- and non-beta-hemolytic streptococci were included in the evaluation. Homologous reactions were determined against extracts prepared by four extraction methods: hot hydrochloric acid (Lancefield) extraction, autoclave extraction, hot formamide extraction, and nitrous acid extraction. Enhancement of the precipitin reaction in the presence of polyethylene glycol 6000 permitted a fourfold dilution of all antisera for use in the capillary precipitin test. At this dilution, the potency of the antisera exceeded requirements established for these reagents.