Full text loading...
Chromatographically separated antigens of Mycobacterium leprae were tested for their ability to elicit skin reactions in guinea-pigs sensitised with homologous and heterologous mycobacteria. Of the three antigen-positive fractions obtained, one showed specific activity and the other two cross-reactivity, as indicated by studies of hypersensitivity and passive cutaneous anaphylasix.
The fraction exhibiting specificity contained only one antigen, which was protein in nature, whereas the other two fractions contained more than one antigen and possessed both protein and polysaccharide constituents. Because the single-antigen-containing fraction showed both positive skin and PCA reactivity, the suggestion is made that this fraction may contain either an antigen with two determinants or may contain two antigens that are not easily distinguishable by immunodiffusion methods.
Article metrics loading...
Full text loading...
References
Data & Media loading...