A simple method for rapid identification of sphaerophorus necrophorus isolates.

A hemagglutination inhibition test for the rapid identification of Sphaerophorus necrophorus is described. Erythrocytes from six species of animals were tested and human cells were found to be the best agglutination indicators. Antiserum prepared in rabbits was found to be specific for S. necrophorus hemagglutinins when tested against 20 isolates of S. necrophorus and 117 other bacteria belonging to 22 genera. The possibility of using a hemagglutination inhibition test for the detection of bovine necrobacillosis was explored.