Rapid screening assay for phospholipase C activity in mycoplasmas

A screening assay for phospholipase C using a chromogenic substrate incorporated into agar medium is described. The assay directly visualizes phospholipase C activity of mycoplasma lysates and membranes on agar plates, or the activity may be measured by spectrophotometry. The results from the assay confirm the presence in Ureaplasma urealyticum of phospholipase C, which is predominantly localized in the membrane fraction. The procedure has the potential to screen phospholipase C activity in other mycoplasmas and microorganisms in general.