SEROLOGICAL GROUPING OF ACTINOMYCES BY MEANS OF FLUORESCENT ANTIBODIES

Abstract

Serological groups A, B, C and D of actinomyces were established using fluorescent antibody techniques. One hundred and thirty-eight cultures were included in the study. Eighty-nine were classed in group A, 15 in B, 13 in C, and 21 in D. The isolates were from patients and animals with actinomycosis and from healthy human beings. There was no correlation between source of the isolate and serological group. Furthermore, no one species could be placed exclusively in one group although the majority of those designated as Actinomyces bovis were in group A. Seventeen anaerobic diphtheroids and 7 Corynebacterium acnes isolates were placed in group A. One diphtheroid was in each of groups B and D. On this basis it is suggested that these organisms be included in the genus Actinomyces. Additional species of Corynebacterium as well as Lactobacillus Propionibacterium, Streptomyces, and Nocardia did not fluoresce with any of the group antisera.