Antigenic Comparisons of Strains of Pasteurella pestis

Abstract

By permitting diffusion to proceed from separated sources in a common direction, the authors were able to study the antigenic relationships of several different strains of P. pestis. The device used was a 2-channel comparator cell of Plexiglass construction. Diffusion occurred through an agar gel matrix to which specific antiserum was added. It was determined that related antigens produced merging zones of precipitation, and that heterologous antigens produce crossing zones. By these criteria 3 groups among 5 strains of P. pestis studied were established Group I, strains 195/P, Yreka, E.V. 76; Group n, strain A1122; Group III, strain 14.