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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma
Published on: June 20, 2011
Decontamination efficacy against Mycoplasma
M Eterpi1, G McDonnell, V Thomas
1STERIS SA R&D, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
Aims:
Mycoplasma is minute bacteria that can be found ubiquitously in the environment and also in human, animal and plant tissues. In addition to their public health importance as aetiological agents of infections and possible association with certain cancers, mycoplasma is a major contamination concern in biotechnology. These bacterial cells are very small, can form biofilms and survive for extended periods of time when dried onto surfaces. Despite these concerns, there is little information concerning their resistance to currently used disinfection methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate commonly used biocidal treatments against three representative mycoplasma species.
Methods And Results:
Mycoplasma was dried onto stainless steel coupons and exposed to decontamination products. All strains survived drying and any significant viability loss because of the test method (including neutralization), as demonstrated by a ≤0·5 log(10) for each tested species. The quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) tested presented poor efficacy, whereas 70% ethanol was fully efficient with complete inactivation after 5-min exposure. Alkaline cleaner formulations presented increasing efficacy when tested at 0·2, 0·4 and 0·8% concentrations, with complete kill observed at 0·8% of two products tested. Decontamination with vaporized (gaseous) hydrogen peroxide (VHP) was very efficient at concentrations used for room and small enclosures decontamination (180-1200 ppm with various time exposures), as well as for device sterilization applications.
Conclusions:
Ethanol and alkaline detergent formulations were particularly efficient against mycoplasma, but a QAC formulation was not. VHP in room disinfection and device sterilization applications was effective against all mycoplasma species tested.
Significance And Impact Of The Study:
Mycoplasma can provide resistance to environmental factors (such as drying) and disinfectants. Further studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of other disinfectants and the mechanisms of mycoplasma resistance.
Insights
Ethanol, alkaline cleaners, and vaporized hydrogen peroxide effectively eliminate mycoplasma contamination. Quaternary ammonium compounds showed poor efficacy against these resilient bacteria, highlighting the need for optimized disinfection strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Mycoplasma are ubiquitous microorganisms found in various environments and tissues.
- They pose public health risks, are linked to cancers, and are a significant contamination concern in biotechnology.
- Mycoplasma's small size, biofilm formation, and survival on dried surfaces present disinfection challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of commonly used biocidal treatments against three representative mycoplasma species.
- To assess the resistance of mycoplasma to environmental factors and disinfection methods.
Main Methods:
- Mycoplasma strains were dried onto stainless steel coupons.
- Coupons were exposed to various decontamination products, including quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), 70% ethanol, alkaline cleaners, and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP).
- Viability loss was assessed to determine disinfectant efficacy.
Main Results:
- All tested mycoplasma strains survived drying with minimal viability loss.
- 70% ethanol demonstrated complete inactivation within 5 minutes.
- Alkaline cleaners showed increasing efficacy with concentration, achieving complete kill at 0.8% for two products.
- Vaporized hydrogen peroxide was highly effective for room disinfection and device sterilization.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol and alkaline detergent formulations are efficient disinfectants against mycoplasma.
- Vaporized hydrogen peroxide is effective for both room disinfection and device sterilization.
- Quaternary ammonium compounds were found to be ineffective, indicating mycoplasma's resistance to certain biocides.
