A Suggested Reclassification of Avian Mycoplasma serotypes

Abstract

SUMMARY Avian Mycoplasma serotypes were examined serologically by the metabolic inhibition test. These cultures, previously described as 18 serotypes, fit 10 serologic groups. M. synoviae was not included in the study and M. meleagridis was included only in biochemic tests. Serologic groupings confirmed concurrent studies in which a variety of biochemic tests were used. Group A (M. gallisepticum) was not inhibited by heterologous antiserum. Group B (M. gallinarum) and M. anatis were antigenically related. Groups C and O were found to be identical as were groups D and P. Group E (M. iners), group F and group L were not inhibited by heterologous antiserum. Groups I, J, K, N, Q, and R were found to share common antigens and biochemic tests gave no basis for differentiation. Discrepancies with previous findings are attributed to: inadequate range of biochemic and growth characteristic tests; serologic and biochemic test data of limited value because of mistaken assumptions of pure cultures at the outset; and inadequate sensitivity of some serologic tests used earlier.