Summary
Detailed information concerning the performing and the reading of theCamp reaction is given in this study. ComparableCamp reactions were carried out on 1223 human streptococcals strains. Group B strains reacted positive in 99.5%++94%,+in 5% and ±in 0.5%. Group A strains were positive in about 80%; ++ in 30%, +in 28% and ±in 22%. The reactions in the A group were often incomplete. There are reasons to suppose that the responsible agents in the two groups of streptococci are not quite identical. C and G group streptococci both reacted positive in only 0.5%; all tested F and ungrouped strains were negative. By adding theCamp reaction to simple bacteriological methods it is possible to recognize with certainty human group B streptococci.
Some observations were made over the interaction of both components of the reaction, the β toxin and the lytic agent produced by B group streptococci (Camp factor).
Preliminary chemical studies make it likely that the Camp factor has a polypeptidic structure.
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Aided by a grant from the National Health Research Councils T.N.O.
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Esseveld, H., Daniëls-Bosman, M.S.M., Leijnse, B. et al. Some observations about the camp reaction and its application to human β haemolytic streptococci. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 24, 145–156 (1958). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02548442
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02548442