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J Clin Microbiol. 1977 September; 6(3): 233-237

Teichoic acids in pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus.

ABSTRACT

Twenty-six strains of Staphylococcus aureus obtained from patients with endocarditis were studied for the production of alpha- and/or beta-ribitol teichoic acid (TA), using highly specific anti-TA antibodies prepared in rabbits. A counterimmunoelectrophoretic assay was used. Beta-TA was the predominant residue produced by all strains; alpha-TA was found in all strains, but in smaller amounts and with much strain-to-strain variations. Antibodies in patients' sera were found against beta-TA in higher titers and for longer periods than were anti-alpha-TA antibodies. Antibodies against one or both TA residues were present in all but one of 26 patients.