Adaptation of Mycoplasma hominis to an Obligate Parasitic Existence in Monkey Kidney Cell Culture (BSC-1)

Summary

During attempts to eliminate Mycoplasma hominis from a monkey kidney BSC-1 cell line with antibiotics, the mycoplasmas were isolated repeatedly. However, the organisms ultimately failed to grow on medium although electron microscopy confirmed that the cell culture still contained mycoplasmas. Thus, the mycoplasma had adapted to an environment in which viable cells were required for growth. Budding mycoplasmas which are indicative of replication were seen associated with viable cells extracellularly. Moreover, structures resembling mycoplasmas were observed budding from the cells which suggests that the mycoplasmas replicate within the cells and are similar to many viruses in their manner of release from the cells.

The authors are pleased to acknowledge the very capable technical assistance of Mrs. M. DeMaggio-Cioffi and Mr. G. Gomayko. This research was supported by NIH Grant RO1 A108282 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.