Mycoplasma species detection by PCR
Test 131 – Mycoplasma species Multiplex Detection by Polymerase Chain Reaction
FAQs
What is the best way to find out if my cells or biological materials are contaminated with Mycoplasma species?
How much sample do I need to order the Mycoplasma detection test?
Do I have to send my sample for Mycoplasma detection on dry ice?
What is the turnaround time for the Mycoplasma testing / detection assay?
Turnaround time is 1-7 business days. You would receive a PDF copy of the report and a hard copy follows in the mail.
What is the cost for the test per sample for Mycoplasma testing?
What is the report format for Mycoplasma testing?
Do I need to notify the laboratory before shipping?
What species of Mycoplasma are detected?
Introduction and Background
Mycoplasma refers to a genus of bacteria that lack a cell wall with more than 120 species. Mycoplasma is the smallest known cell and is about 0.1 micron (μm) in diameter. Mycoplasmas generally possess a relatively small genome of 0.58-1.38 megabases, which results in drastically reduced biosynthetic capabilities and explains their dependence on a host. Mycoplasmas depend on sterols for the stability of their cytoplasmic membrane and they obtain sterols from the host’s cholesterol. They are known to have a low GC content in their genomes (23-40%).
The lack of a cell wall offers them drug resistance to commonly used antibiotics that inhibit cell wall synthesis such as penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics. Mycoplasma species have adapted over time to live as independent bacteria or parasitize the host. They have a wide host range that allows them to infect humans, animals, plants and other genera. While many species of Mycoplasma are considered commensals and are able to live in the host without causing disease or can be considered opportunistic in immunocompromised hosts, others are implicated in clinical conditions. Atypical or walking pneumonia is often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Mycoplasma hominis while non-specific urethritis is very commonly caused by Mycoplasma genitalium which is also thought to be involved in pelvic inflammatory disease. Several species are pathogenic in humans, including M. pneumoniae, which is an important cause of atypical pneumonia and other respiratory disorders, and M. genitalium, which is believed to be involved in pelvic inflammatory diseases.
Mollicutes have been reported to seriously interfere with life sciences research when cell lines or laboratory animals are infected. The bacteria can live inside and outside of the cells, deplete nutrients from the medium and change the biology of cells, disrupt metabolism, modify the immune response, inhibit or prevent viral replication or have unexplained findings in cell culture experiments.
Nocard and Roux reported the cultivation of the causative agent of Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumoniae (CBPP) in 1898, a disease that was widespread in cattle herds and was found to be caused by M. mycoides subsp. mycoides SC (small-colony type). In 1956, the first species of Mycoplasma were isolated in culture. The most commonly encountered species are Acholeplasma laidlawii, Mycoplasma arginini, M. orale, M. salivarium, M. fermentans, and M. hyorhinis. Species such as Ureaplasma urealyticum, M. pneumoniae and M. pirum are rarely present in cell cultures. It is anticipated that many of the cell lines created prior to 1990 were infected by Mycoplasma species that originated from contaminated animal serum and further disseminated by contaminated aerosols in the laboratory and laboratory technicians while they conducted their experiments.
- laidlawii and M. arginini are of bovine origin; M. orale and M. salivarium are of a human origin (oropharynx) and M. hyorhinis originated from swine. It is hypothesized that presence of Mycoplasmasof swine origin in bovine serum is justified by the contamination of this product in mixed slaughterhouses.
It is estimated that as many as 30% of all cell lines generated prior to 1990 are contaminated with Mycoplasma species.
Having problems with Cell Lines contaminated with Mycoplasma? Check out our Mycoplasma Elimination Service (Protocol CB124)