Serological identification of Bacteroides species by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Abstract

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to titrate [rabbit] antisera raised against live cultures of 8 type-species (biotypes) of Bacteroides with the EDTA-released outer membrane complex from 29 characterized strains of Bacteroides. With only minor exceptions, the strains investigated reacted to titer with the antisera raised against the homologous type-species and not against the heterologous type-species. Cross-reactivity between heterologous species and antiserum was only significant between closely related biotypes. This cross-reactivity could be removed by absorption of the antisera with whole cells. Significant correlation was found between serotype and biotype with this technique.