Demonstration of Mycoplasma contamination in cell cultures by a Mycoplasma group- specific polymerase chain reaction

Cell cultures are widely used in both medical and biotechnical research centers, industries, and also as diagnostic tools in a clinical setting It has been reported that up to 50% of cell cultures are contaminated with mycoplasmas (1). Mycoplasma contamination may alter cellular growth characteristics, enzyme patterns, and cell membrane composition, and can induce chromosomal abnormalities and cytopathogenic changes (2-5). In experimental results being published, it is now becoming standard practice to show that mycoplasma-free cell cultures have been used. For industrial production of biological materials derived from mammalian cells and intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use in humans, regulatory guidelines are emerging that are intended to guarantee the quality and safety of these products. Obligatory testing for mycoplasmas is therefore increasing (6).