Rabbit lens cell cultures in the characterization of Spiroplasma mirum pathogenicity

Spiroplasma mirum grew to high titres, 10(8) colour-changing units per ml of supernatant medium, and produced cytopathology which consisted of vacuolization, granulation and polynucleation . S. mirum did not grow in cell culture medium (Dulbecco's MEM+10% foetal bovine serum), thereby indicating the need for cultured cells or a cell culture product. Growth was also obtained from cell-free supernatants from AG-4676 cultures. S. mirum propagated in AG-4676 produced cataracts and death in suckling Wistar rats.