A Study of Antigenic Structure ofEscherichia ColiO111B4H2Possessing β Antigen

Abstract

Summary1. Coliform and paracolon β strains agglutinated to a high titre with OB antisera from two strains ofEscherichia coliO111B4H2.2. The presence of β antigen in some strains ofEsch. coliO111B4H2has been shown and therefore such strains should be classified as plus β forms. This factor could not be demonstrated by agglutination tests but was evident by its ability to produce and absorb β antibodies.3. The dissociation and complex nature of β forms was discussed.The writer wishes to express her thanks to Prof. S. D. Rubbo for his helpful criticism of the manuscript.