STUDIES ON DIRECTED VARIATION OF SALMONELLA 0-34 BY BACTERIOPHAGE

1. ANTIGENIC TRANSFORMATION BY BACTERIAL AUTOLYSATE AND ANTISERUM

Abstract

Using the autolysate of bacteria which possess the antigens of subgroup E₃, an antigenic transformation E₁→E₃ and E₂→E₃ has been observed. The transformation E₁→E₃ may also occur in the direction E₁→E₂→E₃. Two strains of subgroup E4 were transformed by the process of E₄→E₂→E₃. Antigen-transforming and bacteriolytic powers of the autolysate were demonstrated in parallel and it was supposed that O-3.10→O-3.15 and O-3.15→O-(3).(15).34 can be ascribed to two different bacteriophages.
When antigenic transformation was attempted on E3 strains with anti-O-34 or anti-O-15 serum, O-(3).(15).34→O-3.15 or O-(3).(15).34→O-3.10 was observed.