STREPTOCOCCUS GROUP-B TYPING - COMPARISON OF COUNTER-IMMUNOELECTROPHORESIS WITH PRECIPITIN METHOD

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 238  (3) , 330-335
Abstract
The counter-immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) method was tested for its applicability to group B Streptococcus typing. The results were compared with ring precipitin test typing. Identical antigens and identical hyperimmune typing serum batches were used in both methods. A large majority of 75 freshly isolated (from humans and cattle) strains were typed identically by both methods. Five strains with a weak antigenic outfit were untypable by the ring precipitin test but were typed by CIE owing to a higher sensitivity of CIE method. Two strains were typable by the precipitin test but not by CIE; an explanation for this phenomenon is lacking. The CIE method in group B typing is specific, rapid, highly sensitive and relatively simple. It requires strict maintenance of standard conditions. The method is economical with respect to manipulation and material, and requires small amounts of diagnostic antisera. Potent antisera may be used diluted. Moreover, sera for CIE typing need not be absorbed to remove group B antibodies. CIE method is practicable for group B Streptococcus typing, especially in laboratories carrying out routine large scale type identification.