[The c protein fractions of group B streptococci: its distribution and relation to heat-labile antigens for the agglutination method].

Distribution of the c protein fractions of group B streptococci and relation to heat-labile antigens for agglutination were investigated. The results were summarized as follows: 1. Analysis of antigenicity of the c protein in group B streptococcal strains isolated revealed that 74% of the type Ia/c strains carried only alpha antigen, and 76% of the type Ib/c strains contained both alpha and beta antigens. Component of the c protein fractions in most of type Ia/c strains isolated was different from that in reference strains. 2. Of 37 Ia/c alpha strains, 45.9% were determined non-typable, 32.4% were Ia/W, 13.5% were Ia/S, and 8.1% were Ia/Q in the agglutination for heat-labile antigens. Of 8 Ia/c alpha beta strains, 87.5% were Ia/Q, and 12.5% were Ia/SW. Of 5 Ia/c beta strains, 60% were Ia/Q, and 40% were Ia/QW. Of 19 Ib/c alpha beta strains, 68.4% were Ib/-, and 31.6% were Ib/S. Of 5 Ib/c alpha strains, 60% were Ib/-, and 40% were Ib/S. One Ib/c beta strain was Ib/-. 3. Because trypsin-sensitive portions of the beta antigens were lost, preparation of antigens for agglutination by pancreatic digestion could not exactly reflect results of the precipitation method.