Comparison of counterimmunoelectrophoresis and the capsular reaction test for typing of pneumococci

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Abstract
The capsular reaction test is recommended as the method of choice for typing of pneumococci. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis [CIE] also works in most cases, but has the following definite drawbacks: the polysaccharide type antigens of types 7F, 7A, 14, 33F, 33A and 37 are neutral and do not form precipitates when conventional buffers are used; and CIE does not permit differentiation between types within groups, since many factor sera do not contain sufficient amounts of precipitating antibodies. Omniserum contains low-titered antibodies against cell wall antigens and also reacts with thioglycolate-containing broth.