Characterization of the major antigens of Haemophilus equigenitalis (contagious equine metritis organism)

Abstract

Immunoelectrophoresis of ultrasonically disrupted Haemophilus equigenitalis (contagious equine metritis organism) cells against rabbit and equine antisera disclosed at least 11 precipitating antigens. Two of these, a polysaccharide and a lipopolysaccharide-protein complex, were of high molecular weight and located on the cell surface. The remaining antigens were intracellular and were small- to medium-sized proteins. The surface antigens were the most significant in relation to the serological response in infected horses. They also reacted with sera from apparently healthy cattle, but the reason for this was not determined. No serological cross-reaction between H. equigenitalis and species of Achromobacter and Moraxella was detected.