Immunoglobulin G binding activity of Brucella abortus.

A Brucella abortus protein with a molecular weight of 50 kDa has been shown to bind bovine immunoglobulin G from healthy, brucellosis-free animals. The Brucella immunoglobulin G binding molecule appears to be a protein, since it is susceptible to proteolysis. The protein is presumed to be located on the cell surface, since intact cells precipitate bovine immunoglobulin G. Examination of other species of Brucella shows that all Brucella species and strains tested express the protein. B. abortus cells also bound immunoglobulin G from other animal species. These included cat, chicken, dog, guinea pig, horse, human, mouse, rat, sheep, swine, and turkey but not immunoglobulin G from goat or rabbit.