Detection of Mycoplasma Infection of Mammalian Cells. (May 1997)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xia, Houhui; Fitzgerald, Jamie; Bredt, David S.; Forsayeth, John R.
• Is Part Of: Biotechniques. Volume 22:Number 5(1997)
• Page Start: 934
• Page End: 936
• Publication Date: 1997-05
• Subjects: Biology, Experimental -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Biology, Experimental; Medical technology; Molecular biology; Clinical Laboratory Techniques -- Periodicals; Research -- Periodicals; Medical Laboratory Science -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 570
• DOI: 10.2144/97225st08
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0736-6205

Abstract

Mycoplasma infection was detected in cultures of COS cells with a novel, simple assay that detects the conversion of arginine to citrulline by the enzyme, arginine deiminase, specific to all species of mycoplasma. Transfection of COS cells was inhibited in mycoplasma-infected cells, a phenomenon that was readily reversed by treatment with a mycoplasma removal agent. Cultures of cells used for transfection should be regularly monitored for evidence of mycoplasma by assay of arginine deiminase activity or by other methods.