Formation of cross-reacting antibodies against cellular and extracellular lipoteichoic acid of Streptococcus mutans BHT.

Antisera prepared against strains of Streptococcus mutans, particularly strain BHT, contain antibodies to the membrane lipoteichoic acid component that will cross-react with lipoteichoic acids from three species of lactobacilli. A more detailed study of the antibodies to strain BHT confirmed that the antibodies are specific for the polyglycerol phosphate component common to the lipoteichoic acids. Sera with a higher hemagglutinating titer could be obtained by injecting disrupted organisms. The partially purified lipoteichoic acid isolated from the culture fluid of S. mutans BHT was also immunogenic antibodies; antibodies were also formed against another unidentified component in this extracellular fraction.