Serotyping of Haemophilus influenzae a comparison of co-agglutination with countercurrent--immunoelectrophoresis and slide--agglutination. 1981

F W Tiller

30 out of 55 strains of H. influenzae could be assigned to one of the six serotypes A--F by slide agglutination, countercurrent-immunoelectrophoresis or co-agglutination. While slide-agglutination appeared less reliable due to non-specific agglutinations countercurrent-immunoelectrophoresis was of high specificity. No cross reactions were encountered in this test and results were unambiguously to evaluate. Co-agglutination is attractive because of its rapidity and simplicity without any need of special equipment. It was found to be of increased sensitivity in detecting type B capsular antigen when compared with countercurrent-immunoelectrophoresis, the problem of cross-reactions remains to be solved however. The use of co-agglutination for serotyping H. influenzae strains in combination with countercurrent-immunoelectrophoresis can be recommended.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007122 Immunoelectrophoresis A technique that combines protein electrophoresis and double immunodiffusion. In this procedure proteins are first separated by gel electrophoresis (usually agarose), then made visible by immunodiffusion of specific antibodies. A distinct elliptical precipitin arc results for each protein detectable by the antisera.
D003377 Countercurrent Distribution A method of separation of two or more substances by repeated distribution between two immiscible liquid phases that move past each other in opposite directions. It is a form of liquid-liquid chromatography. (Stedman, 25th ed) Chromatography, Countercurrent,Countercurrent Chromatography,Distribution, Countercurrent
D003429 Cross Reactions Serological reactions in which an antiserum against one antigen reacts with a non-identical but closely related antigen. Cross Reaction,Reaction, Cross,Reactions, Cross
D006193 Haemophilus influenzae A species of HAEMOPHILUS found on the mucous membranes of humans and a variety of animals. The species is further divided into biotypes I through VIII. Bacterium influenzae,Coccobacillus pfeifferi,Haemophilus meningitidis,Hemophilus influenzae,Influenza-bacillus,Mycobacterium influenzae
D000372 Agglutination Tests Tests that are dependent on the clumping of cells, microorganisms, or particles when mixed with specific antiserum. (From Stedman, 26th ed) Agglutination Test,Test, Agglutination,Tests, Agglutination
D012703 Serotyping Process of determining and distinguishing species of bacteria or viruses based on antigens they share. Serotypings

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