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Comparison of the Cytoplasmic Antigens of Leprosy‐Derived Corynebacteria and Some Mycobacteria
Author(s) -
GUEUR M.C.,
HARBOE M.,
FONTAINE F.,
DELVILLE J.,
COCITO C.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.934
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1365-3083
pISSN - 0300-9475
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3083.1983.tb00817.x
Subject(s) - mycobacterium leprae , antigen , leprosy , microbiology and biotechnology , antiserum , lepromatous leprosy , biology , immunoelectrophoresis , mycobacterium , virology , immunology , bacteria , genetics
The immunological relationship between leprosy‐derived corynebacteria (LDC) and reference mycobacteria was analysed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis with intermediate gel. For this purpose, three reference systems (LDC15/anti‐LDC15, LDC18/anti‐LDC8, and LDC8/anti‐LDC8) were developed. They showed 15 to 20 distinct antigenic components in LDC cytoplasm. Extensive cross‐reactivity was observed among different LDC isolates, affecting 3 to 17 components. Moreover, several components were shown to cross‐react with mycobacteria when anti‐bacillus Calmette‐Gudrin (BCG), anti‐Mycobarterium leprae, other antisera and lepromatous leprosy sera were incorporated in the intermediate gel. The major cross‐reactive component, antigen M, was present in all LDC isolates and cross‐reacted with antigen 7 of M. leprae and antigen 60 of M. bovis BCG. The thermostability of these antigens and the specificity of the cross‐reacting antigens were assessed. The data underline the degree of immunochemical homogeneity within the LDC group of microorganisms and relatedness with M. leprae and other mycobacteria.