Analysis of Leptospira Antigens by Crossed Immunoelectrophoresis

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Abstract
Serovars icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola and arboreae of pathogenic L. interrogans and serovar patoc of saprophytic L. biflexa were examined by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. A close antigenic relationship was found between the interrogans serovars, particularly between icterohaemorrhagiae and canicola. To a much lesser extent, cross-reactions were found between interrogans serovars and patoc. Comparison of 3 different antigenic preparations of icterohaemorrhagiae by tandem crossed immunoelectrophoresis and by absorption experiments with the patoc reference system showed the presence of several common broadly reactive antigens. Antigen 1 of the reference system, a genus-specific heat-stable protein antigen, was found in all antigenic preparations. It is a diagnostically important antigen [and may be useful for serodiagnosis].