Standardization of the agglutination test in the diagnosis of Yersinia enterocolitica infection.

For preparation of antigens standard strains of Yersinia enterocolitica representing serological groups I to VI (according to KNAPP and THAL) were used. The following antigens preparations were used: antigens autoclaved at 121 degrees C, antigens treated with formaline and living cells. The antigens were titrated against homologous immune sera, and their optical density was estimated spectrophotometrically. In the rabbit immune sera, and additionally, in the sera of blood donors and subjects suspected of Y. enterocolitica infection the levels of agglutinins were estimated against the antigens of all serotypes. The results from both groups of sera were analysed numerically with the use of the "Odra 1204" computer. Basing on the antigen titers frequency distribution critical and diagnostically doubtless values were established. The usefulness of living cells and antigens treated with formaline of the serotype IA and serotype V in the serological diagnosis of the Y. enterocolitica infections was demonstrated.