Antigenic Relationship of the Gram-negative Organism Causing Canine Abortion to Smooth and Rough Brucellae

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Abstract
The use of whole-cell antigens in agglutination and agglutinin-absorption tests showed that the organism causing abortion in dogs is similar to roughBrucella abortus, B. melitensis, andB. ovis, but different from smoothBrucellacultures. Water-soluble antigens obtained by ultrasonic treatment and examined by immuno-electrophoresis and gel diffusion show extensive cross-reactions within the genusBrucella, but little or no cross-reaction with similar antigens from other gram-negative genera in the familyBrucellaceae. The dog organism showed near identity with rough and smoothBrucellacultures on the basis of immuno-gel diffusion tests with water-soluble antigens, but it lacked the lipopolysaccharide-endotoxin associated with the agglutinogen of smooth brucellae. These findings support the proposal of Carmichael and Bruner for the designation of a new species, “Brucella canis.”