Color Test for the Measurement of Antibody to T-Strain Mycoplasmas

Abstract

Purcell, Robert H. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Md.), D. Taylor-Robinson, D. Wong, and R. M. Chanock . Color test for the measurement of antibody to T-strain mycoplasmas. J. Bacteriol. 92: 6–12. 1966.—A metabolic inhibition technique for the measurement of antibody to T-strain mycoplasmas was developed, based upon the ability of T-strain mycoplasmas to metabolize urea with the concomitant production of ammonia, and the ability of specific antiserum to inhibit this ammonia production. Phenol red added to the medium served as an indicator of p H change resulting from ammonia production. Specific antiserum to T-strain mycoplasma T-960 was prepared. The T-strain organism was shown to be serologically distinct from the recognized large-colony mycoplasmas. Antibody to mycoplasma strain T-960 in human sera was demonstrated with the metabolic inhibition technique.