Preparation of a heterogeneous conjugate to detect Mycoplasma iowae by immunofluorescence

Fluorescent antibody technique has been used as a diagnostic tool for che i dentification of pathogenic avian Mycoplasma species. Fluorescein-conjugate d antisera for Mycoplasma iowae prepared from rabbit hyperimmune serum agai nst one serotype (I) has not always bern reliable, giving false-negative re sults. A fluorescein-conjugated antisera was prepared with antibody against the six identified serotypes (I, J, K, N, Q, and R) that comprise the spec ies M, iowae. This heterogeneous conjugate was used to positively identify M. iowae in field isolates and lab strains, while maintaining specificity. Polymerase chain reaction specific for M. iowae was used to determine speci ficity.