The Surface Structure and Serological Typing of Bacillus megaterium

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Abstract
Fifty-four strains were examined and compared with strain M (so designated in previous studies). Morphologically the strains could be divided into two groups on the basis of cell size, fat content and susceptibility to enzymes. Forty homologous immune sera were prepared in rabbits. On the basis of the capsular and cell-wall reactions, 38 distinct serological types were found. Agglutination reactions confirmed the heterogeneity of the polysaccharides in the cell wall and capsules, and demonstrated a further relationship between three of the strains, probably due to the flagellar antigen. Precipitin reactions carried out with the supernatant fluid from broth cultures or with cell-wall extracts showed a much broader specificity.