STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ANTIGEN-CONTAINING WHOLE CELL VACCINE

摘要

A negatively-charged S. aureusantigen contains .beta.-hexosamine as a major carbohydrate component. S. aureusstrains that carry the antigen account for nearly all of the clinically significant strains of S. aureusthat are not Type 5 or Type 8 strains. The antigen can be used in combination with S. aureusType 5 polysaccharide antigen and S. aureusType 8 polysaccaride antigen to provide nearly 100% coverage of S. aureusinfection. The antigen and antibodies to the antigen are useful in kits and assays for diagnosing S. aureusinfection. A whole cell vaccine of cells that contain the antigen is particularly useful in the treatment of mastitis.