IMMUNOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF LEPTOSPIRAL MEMBRANES

The immunochemical and biological properties of purified membrane frac tions obtained from Leptospira interrogans, serovar copenhageni, strai n Rat 2, and Leptospira biflexa, strain Patoc 1, were studied. The pre sence of genus-specific and group-specific antigens in leptospiral mem branes was established by the methods of immunodiffusion analysis, the microagglutination (MA) and lysis tests. In animal experiments cell m embrane preparations produced no toxic and allergic effects. Leptospir al membranes obtained from strain Rat 2 ensured the protection of gold en hamsters infected with Leptospira virulent culture and induced anti body production in high titers, detected with the use of the MA test, the lysis test and the enzyme immunoassay, in rabbits immunized in two injections.