The immunology of cytoplasmic antigens of mycobacteria

Cytoplasms obtained from 220 strains of mycobacteria were examined against immunoglobulin preparations obtained from 70 cytoplasm antisera by an immunodiffusion technique. The data, arising from 60 000 individual tests, were computed and correlated with the pathogenicity and cultural characteristics revealed in a new semisynthetic medium.Pathogenic mycobacteria were recognized by the antigenic patterns a, ab, ac, abc, bc, or bq whereas the main determinants in non-pathogenic mycobacteria were found to be the e, f, g, k, l, m, and t determinants. Nine major cytoplasmic serogroups, eight tentative serogroups, and seven new cultural groups of mycobacteria were distinguished. A comprehensive chart presenting immunological relationships and differentiation of the mycobacteria was presented and a procedure for a combined immunological and cultural recognition of potentially pathogenic strains of mycobacteria was outlined.