Two Novel Antigens Associated with Group B Streptococci Identified by a Rapid Two-Stage Radioimmunoassay

A two-stage radioimmunoassay (RIA) has been developed that identifies type-specific antigens on the surfaces of group B streptococci. In addition to detecting the type-specific carbohydrate antigens Ia, Ib, II, and III, the RIA identified four unique antigens reactive with the Centers for Disease Control's c-protein typing antiserum. Analysis of hot-acid extracts by immunoelectrophoresis confirmed that two of these reactivities corresponded to the reported alpha and beta antigens of the c-protein marker. In addition, the identification of two heretofore unidentified antigens, gamma and delta, by the two-stage RIA is detailed in this report. The assay uses intact bacteria and does not require hot-acid extraction, a procedure thus enabling detection of acid-labile antigens in their native unmodified form. The semiquantitative RIA requires less typing reagent than does precipitin testing and is more objective, reproducible, and rapid. The assay described here could be applied to the detection of any cell surface antigen for which a monospecific antiserum is available.