How Can They Be Detected?
Unlike contamination caused by most bacteria, yeast or fungi, mycoplasmas typically do not alter the turbidity or pH of cell culture media. Thus, they can only be detected through an active effort employing highly specialized and specific tests that require a skilled operator to perform and interpret results. Tests fall into two basic categories: direct culture with media; or indirect tests measuring specific biochemical markers or other characteristics associated with mycoplasmas.
