SPECIFIC COAGULASES OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Abstract

Three staphylococcal coagulases termed I, II, and III were differentiated by measuring the antibody titer of human sera. Coagulases I and II are antigenically distinct; coagulase III appears to be related to both coagulases I and II. These results were confirmed by specific neutralization experiments. These observations emphasize the importance of employing the correct type of coagulase in studying the role of this substance in the pathogenesis of staphylococcal infections. Preliminary observations in animals indicate that specific anticoagulase develops following induced infections. The role of this antibody in the recovery mechanism remains to be determined.