M. genitalium; studies on biological characteristics and pathogenicity in the experimental animal respiratory tract

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A new mycoplasma species M. genitalium (G37), isolated from urethral specimens of patients with non-gonococcal urethritis, was studied.The serologic and bacteriologic characteristics, pathogenicity and possible role in human respiratory disease was discussed. The results were as follows:1. Biological properties. M. genitalium grew slowly in classical Hayflick medium and SP-4 medium. Cholesterol was required for growth. Colonies on agarose were variable in size and adherent to glass and plastic surfaces.2. Morphology and ultrastructure. Electron microscopy of M. genitalium cells was similar to that of M. pneumoniae, but flask-shaped cells with terminal rod-like structures were seen in some M. genitalium.3. Biochemical properties. The results of various biochemical tests were as follows: fermentation of glucose-positive; hydrolysis of arginine-negative; hemadsorption to human type-0 erythrocytespositive.4. Serological properties. Cross-reactivity between M. genitalium and M. pneumoniae was shown by complement fixation test, indirect hemagglutinin test, direct immunofluorescence and double immune diffusion methods. Cross-reactivity was not demonstrated by metabolic inhibition test and growth inhibition test.5. In hymsters intratracheal infection with M. genitalium produced peribronchitis, pneumonia and perivasculitis. These pathological findings were very similar to those seen in M. pneumoniae infection. It was suggested that M. genitalium may be pathogenic in animal respiratory tracts.6. M. genitalium inhibited ciliary activity of hamster tracheal rings.These observations indicate that the characteristics of M. genitalium are very similar to those of M. pneumoniae. M. genitalium may have a pathogenic role in human respiratory disease.