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. 1970 Oct;2(4):392–397. doi: 10.1128/iai.2.4.392-397.1970

Physicochemical Properties of Neisseria meningitidis Group C and Y Polysaccharide Antigens

Michael A Apicella a,1, John A Robinson a
PMCID: PMC416022  PMID: 16557851

Abstract

Chemical and physical studies of the Neisseria meningitidis group C and Y antigens indicated that these preparations are acidic polysaccharides. The group C antigen contains predominately n-acetyl neuraminic acid, with small amounts of glucose, glucosamine, and mannose, whereas the group Y antigen contains glucose, glucosamine, and mannose. The molecular weights of the group C and Y antigens were found to be 88,000 and 197,000, respectively. The group C antigen was susceptible to neuraminidase digestion. Finally, the immunological reactivity of neither antigen was inhibited in hemagglutination or immunodiffusion systems by neutral or substituted sugars.

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Selected References

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