Antigenic analysis of ten isolates of Aeromonas liquefaciens

Abstract

In discussing the antigenic relationship of ten isolates of Aeromonas liquefaciens a survey of the background literature is reviewed. For the research, ten isolates cultured from diseased fish were obtained from separate geographical areas. A battery of biochemical tests was performed to differentiate and show the relationship between the ten isolates of A. liquefaciens. Antigens (particulate and soluble) were prepared from autoclaved cultures grown on solid media. New Zealand white rabbits were used to prepare antisera. The use of cross reactions and cross adsorptions was employed in an attempt to show the relationship between the ten Isolates. Through the study of some of the antigenic components of A. liquefaciens, a tentative serological schema of types has been developed with antigenic groups and formulas on heat stable 0 and soluble factors. Antigenic analysis revealed that each of the ten isolates of A. liquefaciens had a distinctive antigenic pattern although a close resemblance in antigenic patterns was observed. Antigenic groups were formed according to the number of similar antigens. Antigenic heterogenicity and specificity of isolates were also observed. Ecologically, A. liquefaciens is an ubiquitous bacterium. Epidemiologically, antigenic analysis provided observable evidence indicating that no two isolates studied were serologically identical, although closely related.