Separation and properties of a red cell sensitizing substance from streptococci.

Moskowitz, Merwin (Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind.). Separation and properties of a red cell sensitizing substance from streptococci. J. Bacteriol. 91:2200-2204. 1966.-An antigen that binds onto red cells and causes them to be agglutinated by antiserum was separated from streptococci. Various procedures to extract the antigen from streptococci were investigated, and the greatest amount of antigen was obtained by extraction of cells with a phenol-water mixture. The reaction of the antigen with red cells was shown to be reversible by use of the Ashby mixed agglutination technique. The antigen also combines with a number of different tissues, and it was demonstrated that the antigen could be transferred from red cells to tissues and vice versa. An hypothesis is presented on the basis of these findings which suggests a possible role for this antigen in the etiology of rheumatic fever.