Serological comparison of five arginine utilizing Mycoplasma species by two dimensional immunoelectrophoresis

Abstract

Five arginine utilizing, nonglycolytic Mycoplasma species were compared serologically by 2 dimensional immunoelectrophoresis. The survey included: M. hominis, M. arthritidis, M. gateae, M. gallinarum, and 3 strains of M. arginini. Although the M. arginini strains showed strong cross reactions, each strain produced a different antigenic profile which was distinct and which indicated significant antigenic differences between strains. The M. arginini strains showed strong relationships with M. gateae; lesser cross reactions were observed with other strains. Common antigens were demonstrable in the entire group. When all these species were compared with a glycolytic species, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, no cross reactions were observed. Two dimensional immunoelectrophoresis was a far more sensitive technique than double immunodiffusion, since as many as 20 components could be resolved.