Type-Specific Antigens of Group B Type Ic Streptococci

Abstract

The type-specific antigens of group B type Ic (old designation type Ii) streptococci were extracted, purified, and characterized by serological and chemical methods. The Ia antigen, shared by types Ia and Ic, is a polysaccharide composed of 69% galactose and 25% glucosamine (i.e., 31% N-acetyl-glucosamine). However, these monosaccharides failed to inhibit significantly the quantitative precipitin reactions between purified antigen and type Ia antiserum. Indications are that the immunodominant group of this antigen consists of more than a simple monosaccharide. The Ic antigen, shared by types Ib and Ic, is a protein unrelated to the X and R protein antigens. Ic antigen consists of two serologically active determinants, one of which is susceptible to both trypsin and pepsin digestion and the other to pepsin but not to trypsin digestion. Acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the partially purified Ic antigen resulted in the occurrence of both determinants throughout the length of the gel, as shown by double gel diffusion slides.