Cross-reactions Between Pneumococci and Other Streptococci Due to C Polysaccharide and F Antigen

Overview

Journal J Clin Microbiol

Specialty Microbiology

Date 1987 Oct 1

PMID 3499450

Citations 27

Authors

U B Sorensen

J HENRICHSEN

Affiliations

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Abstract

By serological methods, all 83 known types of Streptococcus pneumoniae could be shown to possess C polysaccharide and F antigen. Cross-reactions due to these two antigens between pneumococci and a broad range of most other commonly encountered streptococci were examined. The presence of an antigen closely similar or identical to pneumococcal C polysaccharide was demonstrated in some strains of Streptococcus mitior. Therefore, we conclude that pneumococci cannot be identified serologically from mixed samples without culture. Streptococcal group C antiserum was found to cross-react with pneumococcal F antigen.

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