Distribution of Antigenic Determinants Between Actinomyces viscosus and Actinomyces naeslundii

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Abstract
A total of 18 monoclonal antibodies was raised against whole cells of Actinomyces viscosus and Actinomyces naeslundii. The monoclonal antibodies were used to determine the cross-reacting patterns among 26 strains of these species. Eleven different antigenic determinants were found. The specificity profiles of the antibodies indicated that the antigenic determinants of A. viscosus and A. naeslundii were arranged in a complicated mosaic. Extensive cross-reactions occurred between A. viscosus strains and strains of "typical" and "atypical" A. naeslundii . However, cross-reactions were rare between the two groups of A. naeslundii. A. viscosus appears to occupy a "middle position" between the two A. naeslundii groups.