Mycoplasma infection of cell cultures: Isolation and detection

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Mycoplasma contamination of cell cultures was first reported in 1956 and continues today to be a major concern to the investigator. Although awareness has increased over the years, mycoplasma infection of cell cultures remains a common, troublesome problem that affects many cell functions and can markedly influence proper interpretation of test results. Up-dated, sensitive mycoplasma test procedures are described. These include isolation of mycoplasmas by agar and large volume broth media procedures, and detection in an indicator cell culture system with a DNA-binding fluorochrome stain. Although prevention is the first line of defense, occasionally the considerable effort required to eliminate the contaminant from an irreplaceable cell line can be justified.