Revision of the antigenic structure of genus Listeria

Abstract

O-antigenic structure of genus Listeria was studied, using antisera (obtained from rabbits) against different O-antigens of reference strains of each serovar. The titres of sera were determined by agglutination using antigens of the same reference strains as well. Some differences from the actual scheme were found: serum antifactor-IX gave a lower titre than expected against antigens 4ab and 6b, while the titre observed against antigen 4b was higher than the expected in this case. Serum antifactor-VIII presented a higher titre than could be expected against antigen 6b. The strains of serovars 4d and 4e used in this experience were impossible to distinguish, and could have been classified in the same serovar. We could not obtain serum antifactor-XI from serovar 6b after several trials. From these differences we propose some modifications of the current antigenic scheme of genus Listeria.