THE CELLULAR ANTIGENS OF GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI

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Abstract
The immunoelectrophoretic characteristics of 7 cellular antigens of Group A streptococci, serotype 17, are given. Four of these are the previously recognized antigens C, M, T, and polyglycerophosphate. Three new antigens are described. The F antigen is serotype-specific and is probably protein. It is released by extraction with acid or distilled water. It is released into the culture medium during growth if pH is maintained at 7.3 or over. It may be a minor factor in mouse virulence. The E antigen also is serotype-specific. It is closely associated with the M antigen, probably being part of the M molecule which is split off by acid hydrolysis. It can be detected only by immunoelectrophoresis. The E4 antigen is non-serotype-specific, being found in several streptococcal groups. It is serologically related to polyglycerophosphate, but its chemical nature is undetermined.