Studies on polysaccharide C of staphylococcus epidermidis. 2. Antigenic properties.

The antigenic properties of polysaccharide C (poly C) of S. epidermidis strongly support the analytical indications that it is an N-acetylglucosaminylglycerol teichoic acid with 1:3-phosphodiester linkages. The major antigenic determinant is N-acetyglucosamine, predominantly present in the beta-configuration. Also anti-glycerophosphate antibodies are produced, apparently dependent on the degree of glycosylation. Purified poly C was unable to sensitize either normal or tanned sheep erythrocytes for agglutination in antisera.