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Differentiation of strains of Mycoplasma fermentans from various sources by pyrolysis mass spectrometry

P C Hannan1, A M Kearns, P R Sisson

  • 1Mycoplasma Experience Ltd, Reigate, Surrey.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|April 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PMS) effectively differentiates Mycoplasma fermentans strains, aiding in understanding their origins and roles in diseases like AIDS. This technique distinguishes various isolates, including drug-resistant variants and those from specific outbreaks.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Mycoplasma fermentans is implicated in AIDS progression and other diseases.
  • Previous studies suggested M. fermentans strains are largely homogeneous.
  • Limited differentiation methods exist for M. fermentans isolates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PMS) for differentiating M. fermentans isolates.
  • To assess PMS's utility in distinguishing strains based on origin and characteristics.
  • To explore PMS for epidemiological and diagnostic applications.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 25 M. fermentans cultures using pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PMS).
  • Comparison of clinical isolates, cell culture strains, and laboratory variants.
  • Inclusion of type strain PG-18 and AIDS-associated strain 'incognitus'.

Main Results:

  • PMS successfully distinguished the type strain PG-18 from the 'incognitus' strain.
  • The technique differentiated drug-resistant variants from their susceptible parents.
  • PMS resolved distinct groups among AIDS-associated isolates, European cell culture isolates, and Canadian respiratory outbreak isolates.

Conclusions:

  • Pyrolysis mass spectrometry is a valuable tool for differentiating Mycoplasma fermentans isolates.
  • PMS provides crucial epidemiological data, aiding in tracing isolate origins.
  • This technique holds potential for assessing the role of M. fermentans in human diseases.

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