Crossed immuno-electrophoretic analysis of Yersinia enterocolitica serotype 0:3 antigens

By means of quantitative immuno-electrophoretic methods, 81 different antigens were demonstrated in sonicated preparations of Yersinia enterocolitica, serogroup 0:3, using corresponding rabbit antiserum. Only chromosomally-encoded antigens were demonstrated in this system. Thirteen antigens were located on the bacterial surface, as demonstrated after absorption of rabbit antiserum with whole, killed bacteria. Five antigens resisted boiling. Antigen No. 71 was identified as an important part of the lipopolysaccharide, and antigen No. 6 as the "common antigen" of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Binding activities to concanavalin A (indicating the presence of carbohydrates), to Limulus amoebocyte lysate and to polymyxin B (indicating the presence of possible endotoxin activity) were demonstrated for five, nine, and seven antigens, respectively. These observations, together with the presence of corresponding antibodies in pre-immune rabbit sera, as well as cross-reactivity with other Gram-negative bacteria, indicate the biological importance of several of these antigens.