Role of bacterial chemical components in immunofluorescence.

Jones, Wallis L. (Communicable Disease Center, Atlanta, Ga.), and Vester J. Lewis. Role of bacterial chemical components in immunofluorescence. J. Bacteriol. 91:1700-1704. 1966.-The problem of heterologous staining of bacteria in pure culture and in clinical specimens by fluorescein-labeled antisera for Corynebacterium diphtheriae was examined by observing the presence of particular cellular components in the bacteria involved. Decreases in the degree of staining of C. diphtheriae, diphtheroids, and cocci by the immunofluorescent reagent were shown to accompany hydrolytic removal from the cells of specific compounds, the identities of which varied from those of the treated organisms.