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Abstract
Sixteen serological types of Mycoplasma previously distinguished by complement-fixation tests were compared by means of a gel precipitin (Ouchterlony) technique. Each of the sixteen gave a consistent pattern of three to seven precipitation lines with its homologous antiserum. Cross-reactions occurred between heterologous strains, especially with antisera produced with the aid of an adjuvant. Homologous reactions were complex and sufficiently distinctive for the technique to be used to identify unknown strains. Two of the sixteen types, Mycoplasma mycoides var. mycoides and M. mycoides var. capri, had certain antigenic components in common. The appearance of other cross-reactions suggested that the majority were due to the presence in different species of partly related rather than identical antigens.
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