USE OF PCR TO DETECT MYCOPLASMA DNA IN RESPIRATORY-TRACT SPECIMENS FROM ADULT HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was evaluated retrospectively for its ability to detect Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma spp, in re spiratory tract specimens obtained from adult patients with AIDS. Myco plasma DNA was detected in specimens from 12 of 84 patients. Of the 10 7 specimens tested, 13 and seven positive PCR results were obtained wi th the genus- and species-specific oligonucleotide primers used, respe ctively, in two different steps. With the latter, one sample was posit ive for U, urealyticum plus M, hominis, another for M, fermentans plus M, salivarium, and five others were positive for M, salivarium. The u nexpected detection of U, urealyticum DNA in respiratory secretions fr om an adult AIDS patient suggested that this urogenital mycoplasma cou ld have a role in determining or exacerbating respiratory tract infect ions in the HIV-positive population, but that its low rate of isolatio n could be related to the frequent failure of methods used currently t o detect mycoplasmas.