title: A serotyping system for Clostridium welchii (C. perfringens) type A, and studies on the type-specific antigens.
abstract: A serotyping scheme for Clostridium welchii (C. perfringens) type A employing 57 antisera has been used to investigate the epidemiology of 153 food-poisoning outbreaks and 32 cases of gas gangrene and other clinical infections. Respectively 65% and 59% of the isolates were typable, and in 55% of the food-poisoning outbreaks the causative serotypes were established. Isolation and reporting methods that would render the typing scheme of even greater epidemiological value are described. The type-specific antigen was shown to reside in the capsule and to be lost from strains that had become rough. Development of roughness and its prevention are described. A great range of antisera and an internationally acceptable serotyping scheme is expected after integration of this set with those developed independently in America and Japan.
mesh_terms: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D003013:Clostridium / Q000276:immunology; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D003016:Clostridium perfringens / Q000145:classification* / Q000254:growth & development; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D000939:Epitopes; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D012703:Serotyping
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000939:Epitopes