Characterization of Mycoplasmas isolated from the bush baby (Galago crassicaudatus)

Abstract

Mycoplasma salivarium was isolated from the oropharynx of four out of seven Galagos and M. arthritidis was obtained from the nasopharynx of three out of six Galagos. Biochemical and serological studies failed to differentiate the M. salivarium isolates from those of human origin. The M. arthritidis isolates appeared identical with strains occurring in rats and they were found to be highly arthritogenic when injected i.v. into young rats.Five out of seven animals harbored an unidentified glucose-fermenting Mycoplasma species which appeared to be biochemically and serologically related to, but distinct from, M. felis of cat origin. This preliminary investigation indicated that the glucose-fermenting Galago strains represented a new species of the Mycoplasmataceae.