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Cross-reactions between Neisseria meningitidis and twenty-seven other bacterial species
Abstract:
Cross-reactions between antigens from N. meningitidis and antigens from 27 other bacterial species from clinical isolates representing 20 different genera were studied by quantitative immunoelectrophoretic methods. A water-soluble N. meningitidis antigen preparation and a corresponding pooled rabbit antiserum regularly presenting 48 immunoprecipitates were used as reference system. Antigens from 16 other bacterial genera cross-reacted with one to four N. meningitidis antigens, whereas antigens from six other Neisseria species cross-reacted with 37 to 48 N. meningitidis antigens. Antigens from only three bacterial genera (Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Bacteroides) did not show any cross-reactions. The degree of cross-reactivity between the antigens were 25--100%, as judged by absorption of antibodies. Three of the cross-reacting antigens reacted with normally occurring precipitating antibodies in serum from humans and rabbits.
Insights
This study investigated cross-reactions between Neisseria meningitidis antigens and those from other bacteria. Many bacterial species showed cross-reactivity, particularly other Neisseria species, highlighting potential diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding cross-reactivity of bacterial antigens is crucial for accurate diagnostics and vaccine development.
- Previous studies have indicated potential antigenic similarities between different bacterial species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess the extent of cross-reactions between Neisseria meningitidis antigens and antigens from a wide range of other bacterial species.
- To identify specific bacterial genera and species that exhibit significant antigenic cross-reactivity with N. meningitidis.
- To investigate the implications of these cross-reactions for serological assays and immunological studies.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative immunoelectrophoretic methods were employed to analyze antigen-antibody interactions.
- A reference system using a water-soluble N. meningitidis antigen preparation and pooled rabbit antiserum with 48 immunoprecipitates was established.
- Cross-reactivity was assessed by testing antigens from 27 other bacterial species representing 20 genera against the N. meningitidis reference system.
- Antibody absorption techniques were used to quantify the degree of cross-reactivity.
Main Results:
- Antigens from 16 bacterial genera showed cross-reactions with 1–4 N. meningitidis antigens.
- Six other Neisseria species exhibited extensive cross-reactivity, sharing 37–48 N. meningitidis antigens.
- Only Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Bacteroides genera showed no cross-reactivity.
- The degree of cross-reactivity ranged from 25% to 100% based on antibody absorption.
- Three cross-reacting antigens reacted with naturally occurring antibodies in human and rabbit sera.
Conclusions:
- Significant antigenic cross-reactivity exists between Neisseria meningitidis and numerous other bacterial species, particularly within the Neisseria genus.
- These findings have implications for the specificity of diagnostic tests targeting N. meningitidis and for understanding immune responses to bacterial infections.
- The presence of cross-reacting antigens recognized by natural antibodies suggests potential complexities in host-pathogen interactions and vaccine efficacy.