Agglutination Adsorption Test, Homologous bacterial, Agglutinating antiserum, Homologous antigens, Organisms. Agglutination

Agglutination Adsorption Test

Agglutination Adsorption Test

Antibodies combine firmly with their homologous antigens. If a homologous bacterial suspension is mixed with agglutinating antiserum, and if the organisms are then separated by centrifugation, it is found that the antibodies from the serum have been adsorbed by the organisms. Related organisms may contain common antigens that cause several species to agglutinate with antiserum prepared from a specific species.

This leads to, misinterpretation of results in routine agglutination tests. To prove the serological identity of an unknown organism with a particular species, it may be necessary to show not only that it is agglutinated by a specific antiserum, but also that it can adsorb from the serum the antibodies for the known organisms. Agglutination adsorption tests are used to determine antigenic structures of closely related organisms and to help identify the organisms.

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Agglutination Adsorption Test