Inactivation of hemolytic complement in human serum by an acylated polysaccharide from a gram-positive rod: possible significance in pigeon-breeder's disease.

In an attempt to identify the major complement-consuming heteropolysaccharides in pigeon excreta, a number of teichoic acids and lipoteichoic acids from gram-positive bacteria were examined as possible substitutes. Teichoic acids from the cell wall and membrane of Lactobacillus buchnerii were found suitable. Samples of freshly voided pigeon droppings were cultured under anaerobic conditions and the bacteria were identified, subcultured, and extracted with phenol-water. Cell wall and membrane antigens from isolated Lactobacillus species could replace pigeon excreta antigens in diagnostic complement consumption tests. Purification and chemical characterization indicated the major antigen from Lactobacillus in this respect to be an acylated heteropolysaccharide.