Serological Analysis of Butyrivibrio from the Bovine Rumen.

Margherita, S. S. (University of California, Davis) and R. E. Hungate. Serological analysis of Butyrivibrio from the bovine rumen. J. Bacteriol. 86:855-860. 1963.-The cultural and fermentation characteristics of a number of strains of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens isolated from the bovine rumen of cattle from different areas were determined, and the strains were subjected to serological analysis by the techniques of agglutination, immunodiffusion, and indirect hemolysis. In general, the results of the three methods agreed fairly well, but some variation was shown according to the method of preparation of the antigen. Much serological heterogeneity was disclosed. The greatest degree of agglutinating cross-reactivity was observed with strains isolated simultaneously from two animals in the same herd of African zebu cattle and with a Pullman strain. These cross-reactions were confirmed by immunodiffusion and indirect hemolysis tests. Agglutinating cross-reactions at low titers were observed between additional strains. The African isolates were shown to possess unique, as well as shared, antigens.