Search

Deoxycholate C. diphtheriae extract was separated into fractions differing in the size of their molecules. Correlation between the molecular weight of each fraction, its specific protein content and its immunogenicity was observed. The high-molecular fraction (mol. wt. exceeding 300,000 daltons) was shown to be the protective somatic antigen of C. diphtheriae.

The adhesive properties of one Cor. parvum and two Cor. diphtheriae strains were investigated by means of the direct haemagglutination reaction (HAR). Using a specifically developed HAR procedure, it was proved beyond doubt that the studied Corynebacteria possess adhesive properties apparently associated with the presence of pili (fimbrias) on their surfaces. In addition, a correlation was found between the agglutinating activity of bacteria and the conditions of culture growth. Based on the reported results, it is suggested that there exists an intraspecies stability of adhesive properties and a possible link between corynebacterial adhesins and reticulostimulin.