SEROLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF GROUP A STREPTOCOCCI

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Abstract
SUMMARY: Antigenic analysis of 18 strains of hemolytic streptococci, group A, representing 18 different types, was carried out during autoclaving at 120°C and 127°C.The T antigen could not be found after 5 minutes at 120°C. The C substance resisted heating for 2 hours at 127°C, whereas the M antigen was gradually destroyed at rates that varied with the different strains. The destruction was complete after 2 hours at 127°C with one exception: type 24.In 14 of the 18 strains examined, the O antigen (Thulin) contained, besides the C substance, remnants of the M antigens, whereas these antigens in 3 of the strains were destroyed by the heat treatment.