The occurrence of natural antibodies in rabbit sera in relation to the paracolon group of organisms

Abstract

1. Naturally occurring agglutinins to paracolon bacilli have been found in seven out of ten sera from non-immunized rabbits and in one anti-Salmonellaand two anti-paracolon immune rabbits' sera after complete absorption with the immunizing strain.2. The a antigen of Stamp & Stone, which is known to occur as a natural agglutinin, has been demonstrated in one out of nine paracolon bacilli.3. Rabbits which before immunization show agglutinins to the immunizing strain or to an α antigen should not be used for the preparation of diagnostic antisera for intestinal Gram-negative bacilli.