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Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma
06:01

Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma

Published on: June 20, 2011

High frequency of antibodies to Mycoplasma penetrans in HIV-infected patients

R Y Wang1, J W Shih, T Grandinetti

  • 1Department of Infectious and Parasitic Disease Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC 20306-6000.

Lancet (London, England)
|November 28, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma penetrans antibodies are significantly more common in individuals with HIV-1 infection and AIDS. This novel mycoplasma is uniquely linked to HIV-1 and AIDS, not a typical opportunistic infection.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Mycoplasma penetrans is a novel mycoplasma identified in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
  • This microorganism exhibits pathogenic properties and in-vivo virulence, suggesting a significant role in disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between Mycoplasma penetrans and HIV-1 infection.
  • To determine the prevalence of antibodies against M. penetrans in different patient groups.
  • To identify the specific antigens of M. penetrans that elicit an immune response.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting were employed to detect antibodies.
  • Serum samples were analyzed from HIV-1 infected patients with AIDS, HIV-1 infected asymptomatic individuals, patients from sexually transmitted disease clinics, and HIV-negative controls with various non-AIDS diseases.

Main Results:

  • Antibodies to M. penetrans were detected in 40% of HIV-1 infected patients with AIDS, compared to only 0.3% in HIV-negative controls.
  • Antibodies were also found in 20% of asymptomatic HIV-1 infected individuals.
  • Major immunoreactivity was observed against P35 and P38, key lipid-associated membrane proteins of M. penetrans.
  • A low antibody frequency (0.9%) was noted in patients from STD clinics, and no antibodies were found in 178 HIV-negative individuals with other conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma penetrans is uniquely associated with HIV-1 infection and AIDS.
  • The organism does not appear to be a commensal or a simple opportunistic pathogen.
  • The presence of M. penetrans antibodies strongly correlates with HIV-1 status and disease severity.

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