Abstract
1) Seven mycobacterial strains tested (H2, Nakano, BCG, Ravenel, A. F., Grass bacillus and M. phlei) have at least one antigen in common, which is referred to as antigen Iin this paper.
2) M. phlei and Grass bacillus have one antigen in common specific only for these 2 strains. This antigen is referred to as antigen II.
3) H2strain and Nakano strain of human type tubercle bacilli and BCG and Ravenel strain of bovine typetubercle bacilli have one antigen other than antigen I in common which is referred to as antigen III in this paper. Antigen III is not detectable in mycobacterial strains other than human type or bovine type of tubercle bacilli.
4) On the other hand, mycobacterial strains other than human type or bovine type of tubercle bacilli have an antigen in common which is lacking in the latter 2 strains. This antigen is referred to as antigen V.
5) Two bovine strains, BCG and Ravenel, have a type-specific antigen, which is referred to as antigen IV.
6) To sum up, the antigenic structures of the 7 mycobacterial strains tested are as follows:
H2and Nakano strain (human type)=I, III
BCG and Ravenel strain (bovine type)=I, III, IV
A. F. strain (avian type)=I, V
M phlei and Grass bacillus (saprophytic mycobacteria)=I, II, V.
