A method for the preparation of a group specific psittacosis antigen for use in the complement fixation test

Summary A simple method for the preparation of group specific, potent and stable psittacosis antigen is outlined.Infected allantoic fluids rich in the elementary bodies of psittacosis agent are pooled, centrifuged at 20.000 r.p.m.; the sediment is resuspended in distilled water to 1/50th of its original volume and subjected to several cycles of ultrasonic vibration. After each cycle of vibration, the supernatant is collected and the resuspended sediment exposed to further ultrasonic treatment. The supernatant fluids with high complement fixing titres are pooled and used as an antigen. The titre of such an antigen ranges between 1:2000 and 1:8000. It is stable both at room temperature and 4°C for at least two years.