16.2.2: Serological Typing of Shigella
- Page ID
- 122730
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There are four different serological subgroups of Shigella, each corresponding to a different species:
- subgroup A = Shigella dysenteriae
- subgroup B = Shigella flexneri
- subgroup C = Shigella boydii
- subgroup D = Shigella sonnei
Known antiserum is available for each of the 4 subgroups of Shigella listed above and contains antibodies against the cell wall ("O" antigens) of Shigella. The suspected Shigella (the unknown antigen) is placed in each of 4 circles on a slide and a different known antiserum (A, B, C or D) is then added to each circle. A positive antigen-antibody reaction appears as a clumping or agglutination of the Shigella (see Fig. \(\PageIndex{1}\)).
Contributors and Attributions
Dr. Gary Kaiser (COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, CATONSVILLE CAMPUS)