C8 reference typing report and nomenclature recommendation.

Using two different typing techniques (i.e. polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing (PAGIF) with Western blot and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of precipitated C8 under nonreducing conditions with Western blot), the following observations were made during the reference typing for C81 (C8A). The Japanese variant A1J is probably identical with A1Cauc, whereas B1J is definitely different from B1Cauc and could therefore provisionally be named HB3'. Variant 'A2' from Japan is focused in an intermediate position, but different from M1 and could be named 'M2'. Both variants possess normal A subunits. B2 from Japan is clearly different from B1Cauc and should retain its designation. In PAGIF, its subunit has a position more anodal than A. Summarizing these results, more information is needed before a final nomenclature can be proposed.