No abstract

The reactivity between protein A of S. aureus and serum globulins from various species was found to vary. Sera from three species (man, dog and swine) gave high titre for non‐specific staining in the fluorescent antibody test (FAT), formed distinct precipitation lines with protein A and absorption with Cowan type I removed all γG‐globulin components to such a degree that only traces were left. Sera from two other species (cow and sheep) showed a less marked or weak reaction in FAT, did not readily precipitate protein A and by absorption with Cowan type I the slow γG‐globulin component was completely removed, whereas the fast γG‐globulin seemed to be unaltered.

No abstract

Biotype-specificity of Staphylococcus aureus of human and canine origins has been found to be associated with thermolabile agglutinogens represented in S. aureus strains 17 and 61218, respectively. Both strains also have exhibited a common thermostable antigen. On that basis, absorbed antisera have been developed for the differentiation of S. aureus of the two biotypes. In the present study, still another thermostable agglutinogen was established, shared by strain 17 and some S. aureus strains of canine origin, as represented by S. aureus strain 887. These findings led to modification and enhanced specificity of the serological method of distinguishing S. aureus of the human biotype from S. aureus of the canine biotype.