Immunological and chemical characterization of the extracellular antigens from Corynebacterium vaginale.

Supernatants from 72-h peptone-starch-dextrose broth cultures of Corynebacterium vaginale contained significant quantities of three extracellular, soluble antigens (ESA). The ESA were concentrated and partially purified by dialysis followed by ammonium sulfate and ethanol precipitation. Diethylaminoethylcellulose columns were used to isolate two of the three ESA. The ESA were shown to be similar to antigens found on whole C. vaginale cells. Absorption studies indicated that the cell antigens are located at, or near, the surface. On the bases of heat stability, resistance to protease treatment, concanavalin A binding activity, and susceptibility to periodate, it appears that all three ESA are polysaccharide or glycoprotein in nature.