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Genetic Differentiation by Nucleic Acid Homology II. Genotypic Variations Within Two Mycoplasma Species
N L Somerson1, P R Reich, B E Walls
1National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Metabolism Service, National Cancer Institute, U.S. Public Health Service, Bethesda, Maryland.
Journal of Bacteriology
|August 1, 1966
Summary
Genetic differentiation of Mycoplasma species was studied using deoxyribonucleic-ribonucleic acid (DNA-RNA) homology. Researchers found distinct DNA in Mycoplasma hominis type 1 strains but not in tissue culture isolates, which were closely related to Mycoplasma hyorhinis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasma species are important pathogens in both humans and animals.
- Accurate classification of Mycoplasma species is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
- Previous classification relied heavily on serological methods, which can sometimes be ambiguous.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic relatedness among different Mycoplasma strains using nucleic acid homology.
- To determine genotypic variations within Mycoplasma hominis type 1 and other related species.
- To compare the genetic differentiation of Mycoplasma hominis type 1 with isolates from tissue cultures.
Main Methods:
- Deoxyribonucleic-ribonucleic acid (DNA-RNA) homology technique was employed.
- Nucleic acids from eight Mycoplasma hominis type 1 strains were analyzed.
- Nucleic acids from six serologically related mycoplasmas isolated from tissue cultures were studied.
- DNA buoyant densities were measured for tissue culture isolates.
Main Results:
- DNA preparations from the eight Mycoplasma hominis type 1 strains were found to be distinct.
- No subgrouping within the Mycoplasma hominis type 1 strains was evident based on DNA-RNA homology.
- DNA from six serologically related mycoplasmas isolated from tissue cultures could not be distinguished.
- These tissue culture isolates showed genetic relatedness to Mycoplasma hyorhinis, a porcine mycoplasma.
Conclusions:
- Nucleic acid homology provides a valuable tool for assessing genetic differentiation in Mycoplasma species.
- Mycoplasma hominis type 1 strains, despite serological classification, exhibit distinct genetic profiles.
- Tissue culture isolates, serologically related, represent a genetically homogeneous group closely related to Mycoplasma hyorhinis.
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