title: Heterogeneity of antibody response in infection with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1.
abstract: The antibody response of patients infected with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in a common source outbreak was investigated. Heat-killed antigens from L pneumophila serogroups 1-3 and 6-10, plus several other strains of L pneumophila, together with 13 other species of legionellas were used in an indirect fluorescence antibody test. Formolised yolk sac antigens made from L pneumophila serogroups 1, 6, and 7 were also used. Although antibodies were produced to several L pneumophila serogroups or Legionella species by individuals, there was no constant pattern, suggesting that the response is a characteristic of the infected individual and not of the infecting strain of Legionella. There is evidence that heat-killed antigen made from L pneumophila serogroup 7 may give unreliable results.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Fallon
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007875:Legionella / Q000276:immunology*; D007877:Legionnaires' Disease / Q000276:immunology*; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial