Ultrastructure and capsule of Mycoplasma meleagridis

Abstract

The ultrastructural study of M. meleagridis utilized the electron microscope techniques of sectioning, histochemical staining, critical point drying, and freeze etching. The predominant morphotype was a spherical form ranging in diameter from 200 to 700 nm. The other morphotypes were dumbbell shaped cells interconnected by membranous tubules, and chains of streptococcal like cells. These forms suggest replication by binary fission. An extracellular structure in the form of a capsular matrix was observed by staining with ruthenium red and potassium tellurite, and was also seen in specimens prepared by critical point drying and freeze etching.