Comparative studies on different methods in typing strains of erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. II. Comments on the methods and type classification tests of E. rhusiopathiae strains.

The tube precipitation method with antigen produced from autoclaved organisms and those produced by CH3COOH extraction and with good antisera have proved to give the best results and should be preferred at least in the routine work. It is a quick method but the results cannot be fixed and later used in documentation. - The paper chromatographic method is very sensitive, makes much work and heavy demands on the clarity of the antigen and serum and reading the test. The results can be fixed and used in documentation. The agar gel diffusion method demands more work than the other methods but the preparation can be stained and stored, the precipitation lines can reveal differences in antigenic structure of different strains. Erysipelas strains world-wide known as standard strains of the individual types have been examined. Some changes in the type classification are recommended. Signs of antigen differences of strains of the same type and mutual antigens in strains of different types can be detected in the results.