DETECTION OF MYCOPLASMA-INFECTION OF MAMMALIAN-CELLS

Mycoplasma infection was detected in cultures of COS cells with a nove l, simple assay that detects the conversion of arginine to citrulline by the enzyme, arginine deiminase, specific to all species of mycoplas ma. Transfection of COS cells was inhibited in mycoplasma-infected cel ls, a phenomenon that was readily reversed by treatment with a mycopla sma removal agent. Cultures of cells used for transfection should be r egularly monitored for evidence of mycoplasma by assay of arginine dei minase activity or by other methods.