DETECTION OF MYCOPLASMAS IS CELL-CULTURES BY PCR - A ONE-YEAR STUDY

Over a one year period, 372 different cell cultures were received for the detection of mycoplasmas. PCR analysis of the 16S rRNA gene was co mpared to DNA fluorescence staining by DAPI (4',6-diamidine-2-phenylin dole dihydrochloride). 278 samples (75%) were found to be negative usi ng both methods, 86 samples (23%) were found positive with the PCR and the DAPI staining method, and 6 samples (2%) were found to be infecte d with other bacteria. The 86 positive samples were also subjected to specific amplification in order to identify the species. Only two of t hem (3.5%) could not be identified. In conclusion, PCR is a rapid and reliable method for detecting and identifying mycoplasmas in tissue cu ltures.