ISSN:
1365-3083
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
The immunological relationship between leprosy-derived corynebacteria (LDC) and reference mycobacteria was analysed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis with intermediate gel. For this purpose, three reference systems (LDC15/anti-LDC15, LDC18/anti-LDC8, and LDC8/anti-LDC8) were developed. They showed 15 to 20 distinct antigenic components in LDC cytoplasm. Extensive cross-reactivity was observed among different LDC isolates, affecting 3 to 17 components. Moreover, several components were shown to cross-react with mycobacteria when anti-bacillus Calmette-Gudrin (BCG), anti-Mycobarterium leprae, other antisera and lepromatous leprosy sera were incorporated in the intermediate gel. The major cross-reactive component, antigen M, was present in all LDC isolates and cross-reacted with antigen 7 of M. leprae and antigen 60 of M. bovis BCG. The thermostability of these antigens and the specificity of the cross-reacting antigens were assessed. The data underline the degree of immunochemical homogeneity within the LDC group of microorganisms and relatedness with M. leprae and other mycobacteria.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3083.1983.tb00817.x
