Rapid biochemical tests for characterization of the Mycoplasmatales

Methods are described for the rapid detection of beta-D-glucosidase and phosphatase in mycoplasma cultures using fluorogenic 4-methylumbelliferone substrates. These methods were applied to a selection of mycoplasma cultures and were compared with the conventionally used tests for these enzymes. Results were similar by both methods, but the fluorogenic tests could be read after 1 h, whereas the conventional tests took several days.