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Mycoplasma contamination of cell lines can invalidate research investigations. In cell lines, virtually every cell process can be altered by Mycoplasma infection. Documented affects include:

• Diminished cell growth
• Altered cellular metabolism
• Phenotypic changes
• Increased cell-mediated cytotoxicity
• Altered mitogenicity of lymphocytes
• Interferon induction in tumor cell lines
• Diminished immunoglobulin production by B-cells

Detrimental effects on Embryonic Stem (ES) cells used for creation of genetically-modified mice have also been recognized. Mycoplasma contamination can:

• Reduce the number of chimeras generated
• Decrease pregnancy rates
• Reduce litter size

Mycoplasma contamination of cell lines and ES cells is a widespread problem. The prevalence of Mycoplasma contamination in cell lines and ES cells is high. Approximately 10% of all cell lines tested in our laboratory are positive for Mycoplasma sp. Mycoplasmas belong to the class Mollicutes, which includes over 100 species of Mycoplasma. The most prevalent Mycoplasma contaminants of cultured cells are Mycoplasma orale (human-origin), Mycoplasma hyorhinis (porcine-origin), Mycoplasma arginini (bovine-origin) and Acholeplasma laidlawii (bovine-origin).   

Mycoplasma detection using a highly sensitive PCR assay. The RADIL offers a PCR assay that is exquisitely sensitive with the capability of detecting a single genomic copy of Mycoplasma sp. The assay detects all species of Mycoplasma known to infect cell cultures. The assay also detects Acholeplasma laidlawii and Spiroplasma mirum, two other members of the Mollicutes class that also can contaminate cultured cells.