How is mycoplasma detected in cell culture?
Mycoplasma contamination can be detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR is easy, sensitive, specific, fast, reliable, efficient and costeffective. The PCR test is based on the detection of 16S rRNA molecules of the most common species of mycoplasma contaminating cell cultures.
How do you test for mycoplasma?
Antibody testing requires a blood sample, obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. Direct detection of mycoplasma may be done on a variety of samples. For a respiratory infection, samples may include sputum, a washing of the bronchi in the lungs, or throat swab.
What is mycoplasma in cell culture?
Mycoplasma contamination in cell cultures Mycoplasmas are the smallest free-living organisms and considered to be the simplest of bacteria. They belong to the bacterial class Mollicutes, whose members are distinguished by their lack of a cell wall and their plasma-like form.
Does ATCC test for mycoplasma?
ATCC mycoplasma testing services Our assay can identify over 60 species of Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, Spiroplasma, and Ureaplasma, including the top 8 species most likely to affect cell cultures: M. arginini, M.
How is mycoplasma treated in cell culture?
There are three classes of antibiotics that kill mycoplasma when used at relatively low concentrations: tetracyclines, macrolides and quinolones. Tetracyclines and macrolides block protein synthesis by interfering with ribosome translation, whereas quinolones inhibit replication of mycoplasma DNA.
How is mycoplasma removed from cell culture?
Plasmocin is a widely used drug that can clear most of the mycoplasmas present in the culture media. Also, drugs like BM Cyclin, fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin, ciprobay, zagam, baytril, tetracycline, etc. are available for mycoplasma removal from the infected culture.
What is a PCR test for mycoplasma?
The EZ-PCR™ Mycoplasma Detection Kit is a highly-sensitive and -specific PCR assay designed to test for the presence of over 90 species of Mycoplasma, Acholeplasma, and Spiroplasma in cell cultures with a detection limit of 10 CFU/mL.
How is fungal contamination treated in cell culture?
Cell cultures can often be cured of fungus contamination when detected early by treatment with certain antibiotics (actually antimycotics).
How do you identify contamination in cell culture?
How do you identify bacterial and fungal contamination in cell culture?
- An increase of turbidity of the antibiotic-free medium. In other words, the color of the medium becomes cloudy.
- A change in pH.
- A distinct shape under the light microscope.
Can mycoplasma spread in incubator?
The CO2 incubators, used for maintaining cell lines, must not be overcrowded (filled no more than 60% of its capacity) which can cause mycoplasma infection from one cell line to another. Multiple cell lines should not be stored in a single incubator since it increases the risk of cross-contamination.
How do you test for contamination in cell culture?
Depending on the source of contaminants, you can detect cell culture contamination by using a light microscope, Gram stain, isothermal amplification, or PCR.