Kauffman-White classification

The Kauffman and White classification scheme is a classification system that permits serological varieties of the genus "Salmonella" to be differentiated from each other. This scheme differentiates isolates by determining which surface antigens are produced by the bacterium. First, the "O" antigen type is determined. "O" antigens are the polysaccharides associated with the lipopolysaccharide of the bacterial outer membrane. Having found the "O" antigen group, the "H" antigen is determined. The "H" antigens are proteins associated with the bacterial flagella (singular; flagellum). Salmonellas exist in two phases; a motile phase and a non-motile phase. These are also referred to as the specific and non-specific phases. Different "H" antigens are produced depending on the phase in which the salmonella is found. Non-motile isolates may be "switched" to the motile phase using a Cragie tube - bacteria are inoculated down the center of a hollow tube in a semi-solid nutrient agar. Those bacteria that become motile can then swim out of the bottom of the tube and are recovered from the agar outside of the tube. Pathogenic strains of "Salmonella typhi" carry an additional antigen, "Vi", so-called because of the enhanced virulence of strains that produce this antigen, which is associated with a bacterial capsule.

E = polyvalent for eh, enx, "etc".
G = polyvalent for gm, gp, "etc".
L = polyvalent for lv, lw, "etc".