Reactions of T Vi and Ballerup Vi haptenes with antisera against Vi-coated erythrocytes

Abstract

1. T Vi-coated rabbit erythrocytes, when injected into rabbits, stimulate the production of a (pure) Vi antiserum.2. The T Vi extract was found to be heat-stable with respect to antigenicity and agglutinability, as shown by means of coated erythrocytes.3. By means of cross-absorption tests it was shown that the Vi antigen of S. typhi differs from the Vi antigen of the Ballerup organism.4. The need for caution in relying on resistance to heat as a character of groups of antigens is emphasized.We wish to thank Dr P. R. Edwards, of the Communicable Disease Centre, U.S.P.H.S., and Dr Alcor S. Browne, California State Department of Health, for supplying certain of the cultures and specimens of typing serum used in these studies.