Distribution and antigenic properties of the O-determinants of Salmonella zuerich (1, 9, 27 46).

Fractionation of the O-polysaccharide derived from Salmonella zuerich (1, 9, 27, 46) on a concanavalin A polymer permitted immunological and chemical analysis on the different fractions. The S. zuerich O-polysaccharide preparation is composed of two distinct populations of molecules: one, ZB1-, devoid of O-antigenic determinant 1, and the other, ZB1+, carrying the determinant 1. This determinant is linked to the presence of D-glucosyl residues on the side chain. O-polysaccharide molecules 1-, devoid of D-glucose, are shown to carry simultaneously both determinants 27 and 46. These determinants are not evenly distributed on the molecules. The expression of determinants 46 (-[Tyv]-betaMan-, where Tyv = tyvelose) seems to be restricted to a distinct specific configuration, and it is altered by the presence of either determinant 27 (-[Tyv]-alphaMan-) or determinant 1 (Glc-Gal-) in the close neighbourhood. Molecules 1+ are partially or completely substituted by glucosyl residues and react with anti-1 antibodies. They are characterized by the same uneven distribution of determinants 27 and 46 as molecules ZB1-. In conclusion, the O-polysaccharide chains are heterogeneous. They contain simultaneously factors 27, 46, and often also 1.