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Widely used, commercially available Chlamydia pneumoniae antigen contaminated with mycoplasma
R P Verkooyen1, M Sijmons, E Fries
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Academic Hospital Dijkzigt, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma contamination was detected in a widely used commercially available Chlamydia pneumoniae antigen preparation. Contamination was studied with a mycoplasma group-specific 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis. Several lots of the purified C. pneumoniae antigen from the Washington Research Foundation appeared to be contaminated with the same Mycoplasma species, which appeared to be closely related to M. arginini. Antigen slides prepared for the detection of chlamydia antibodies by MRL Diagnostics were contaminated with the same Mycoplasma sp. Chlamydia antigen slides from Labsystems OY and two chlamydia complement fixation reagents (Virion International Distribution Ltd and Behring Werke) were not contaminated. It is concluded that commercially available C. pneumoniae antigens may contain mycoplasma antigens as well. Although the impact of such mycoplasma contamination on the results of chlamydia serology may not be significant, routine screening of all antigen preparations obtained by tissue culture before their distribution and use is recommended.
Insights
Commercial Chlamydia pneumoniae antigen preparations were found to be contaminated with Mycoplasma species. This contamination, detected via 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR), highlights the need for routine screening of diagnostic reagents.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Diagnostic Reagent Development
Background:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae is a significant human pathogen.
- Commercial antigen preparations are crucial for diagnosing chlamydial infections.
- Mycoplasma contamination can potentially interfere with diagnostic assays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Mycoplasma contamination in commercially available Chlamydia pneumoniae antigen preparations.
- To identify the specific Mycoplasma species involved.
- To assess the implications for chlamydia serology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mycoplasma group-specific 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection.
- Performed sequence analysis to identify the contaminating Mycoplasma species.
- Tested multiple lots of C. pneumoniae antigen preparations and antigen slides from various manufacturers.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma contamination was identified in several lots of C. pneumoniae antigen from Washington Research Foundation.
- The contaminating Mycoplasma species was closely related to Mycoplasma arginini.
- Antigen slides from MRL Diagnostics also showed contamination with the same Mycoplasma species.
- Antigen slides and reagents from Labsystems OY, Virion International, and Behring Werke were found to be uncontaminated.
Conclusions:
- Commercially available Chlamydia pneumoniae antigens may harbor Mycoplasma contamination.
- While the impact on chlamydia serology results may be minimal, contamination is a concern.
- Routine screening of all tissue culture-derived antigen preparations is recommended before distribution and use.