Serological analysis of five serotypes of Pasteurella multocida of rabbit origin by use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with lipopolysaccharide as antigen.

The serological relationships among five Pasteurella multocida strains, representing five somatic serotypes most commonly isolated from rabbits (serotypes 1, 3, 4, 12, and 15), were studied with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lipopolysaccharides from the five serotypes were used as antigens in the assay. Antisera against serotypes 1 and 15 reacted only with their homologous lipopolysaccharides. Significant cross-reactivity was found between serotypes 4 and 12. Serotype 3 antisera showed minimal reactivity with both homologous and heterologous lipopolysaccharides. The feasibility of detecting antibodies to each of several lipopolysaccharide antigens combined in the same assay cell well was demonstrated.