OXOID Streptococcal Grouping Kit

A latex agglutination test for the identification of streptococcal groups A, B, C, D, F, and G Lancefield showed that the majority of pathogenic streptococci possess specific carbohydrate antigens, which permit the classification of streptococci into groups. These streptococcal group antigens can be extracted from the cells and their presence demonstrated with latex particles previously coated with group-specific antibodies. These latex particles will agglutinate in the presence of homologous antigen, but will remain in smooth suspension in the absence of such antigen. The Oxoid Streptococcal Grouping Kit is such a latex agglutination test for the identification of the streptococcal group, and reagents are provided for groups, A, B, C, D, F, and G. The use of a new enzymatic extraction procedure considerably shortens the time required for antigen extraction and much improves the antigen yield, particularly for Group D streptococci.