Enhancement of Mycoplasma bovis detection in milk samples by antigen capture prior to PCR

A rapid and sensitive procedure to detect Mycoplasma bovis from milk sample s was developed. Mycoplasma cells were collected by selective binding to a monoclonal antibody, thus separating them from milk proteins and facilitati ng DNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using species-specific p rimers allowed detection of 20 cfu ml(-1) in agarose gels and 2 cfu ml(-1) on Southern blots. The method is especially suitable for specimens from sub clinical cases and intermittent shedders. (C) 1999 Academic Press.