Domestic Fowl--Source of High Titer P. tularensis Serum for the Fluorescent Antibody Technic

Abstract

Comparison of Pasteurella tularensis antiserum prepared in rabbits, monkeys and domestic fowl indicates that the avian serum is more specific and possesses a higher working dilution for the fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) study of P. tularensis. Cross reaction of the untreated antiserum occurred with Pseudomonas sp., Neisseria sp., Herella sp., Diplococcus pneumoniae, P. pestis, and E. insidiosa. The Pseudomonas and P. tularensis cross appeared to be specific, possessing 1:320 heterologous titers and 1:2560 homologous titers. The Pseudomonas cross was eliminated by specific adsorption and the other crosses were eliminated by dilution of the avian P. tularensis serum. The Pseudomonas adsorbed avian P. tularensis serum gave specific FAT staining of P. tularensis organisms at a dilution of 1:128.