Observations on Flagellar and Somatic Agglutination

Whole, shaken and heated suspensions of two Salmonella species were compared as to agglutinability, absorptive capacity and antigenic properties. The results were in general agreement with the flagellar antigen concept of Smith and Reagh. The removal of flagella by shaking or heating (100 degrees C.) resulted in altered agglutinability manifested by failure to give a floccular reaction with "whole" antiserum. The deflagellated bacteria were able to absorb some flocculating agglutinin from that serum. They were unable, however, to produce flocculating agglutinin upon injection in rabbits. Untreated, shaken and heated suspensions of a non-motile bacterium (Staphylococcus) showed no differences with respect to agglutinability or absorptive capacity. Soluble precipitable material was found present in small amount in culture filtrates of the motile bacteria and in greater concentration in filtrates of heated suspensions. The bulk of the soluble material was of somatic origin and was not appreciably increased by the presence of flagella. It was possible, however, to demonstrate soluble material in heated flagellar suspensions. The relation of such soluble substances to floccular agglutination and the production of flocculating agglutinin as suggested by Hadley is discussed.