Production of monospecific antisera against antigenic componentsof Mycobacterium bovis (BCG)

Monospecific antisera against four different antigenic components of Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) were produced by immunization of rabbits with precipitates cut out of gels after crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE). An important feature is to use a semipurified mycobacterial antigenic preparation, or a cross-reactive antigen, to obtain a simpler pattern in CIE so that a clean precipitate, free from contaminating antigens, can be obtained for immunization. The findings with one particular antigen are shown, and the use of such antisera is discussed.