A Polysaccharide antigen of group B streptococcus type Ib was extracted from sodium dodecyl sulphate-treated cell walls by trichlorocetic acid. In crossed immunoelectrophoresis the polymer reacted with specific antisera to serotypes. Ia, Ib and Ic of group B streptococci and with commercial grouping antiserum to give one preciptin line. However, the antigen did not react with antisera to types II and III. The evidenc suggests that this polymer confers the group specificity to Ib of group B streptococci. The polysaccharide, after purification on DEAE-cellulose, was shown to consist of rhamnose, glucosamine, galactose, glucose, sialic acid and a trace of phosphorus.
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