Crossed immunoelectrophoretic analysis of Bordetella pertussis antigens and of corresponding antibodies in human sera.

Fourty-four antigens were demonstrated in sonicated preparations of Bordetella pertussis (B.p.), using crossed immunoelectrophoresis against antiserum obtained from rabbits. No qualititative differences between the four strains of the Danish pertussis vaccine were found. In preparations of B.p. culture medium, purified with respect to Lymphocytosis Promoting Factor (LPF) activity, one antigen was possibly related to LPF. In human sera, antibodies against five of the B.p. antigens were demonstrated by means of crossed immunoelectrophoresis with intermediate gel. Antibody production was demonstrable in children during the pertussis vaccination period and was most marked after the second vaccination.