Factors affecting viability of mycoplasma in culture media

ABSTRACT

A microculture technique was used to evaluate the effect of different types of media, buffers, sera and dextrose concentrations on the viability of Mycoplasma gallisepticum [MG] S6, F and L strains and Mycoplasma synoviae WVU 1853 and S27 strains. The initial pH of the culture media was adjusted to 8.5. B-medium of Hayflick without dextrose prolonged MG viability 5-6 days at 37C and MS 4-5 days at 37C but plate count was low. Five types of buffers used did not increase viability. Tris and veronal buffers inhibited MS growth. Dextrose although increased plate count [yields], it decreased viability period because its fermentation dropped the pH of culture medium which lysed mycoplasmas. No growth of MG below pH 5.2 and no growth of MS below 6.2. PPLO serum fraction prolonged viability to 7 days for MG and 6 days for MS but plate growth was very low