GROWTH INHIBITORY PROPERTIES OF MYCOPLASMA ANTIBODY

Abstract

A substance in antiserum responsible for growth inhibition of Mlycoplasma was found to be associated with the water-insoluble globulin fraction. This fraction and the agglutinins removed from agglutinated antigen inhibited the growth of .llycoplasma in a similar manner. Sonic oscillation of antiserum broth cultures partially relieved the growth inhibition. The results of this study suggest the existence of neutralized .M1ycoplasma in a latent phase, which could explain their infrequent detection in tissues and fluids. The application of such techniques as sonic oscillation may improve the recovery and identification of MIycoplasma from these sources.

Modifications of the Growth Inhibition Test and its Application to Human T-Mycoplasmas

“…This effect might be explained by the slower growth rate at 27 C, which will allow the antiserum to diffuse and react for a longer period of time, as compared with 37 C, before the organisms reach the same stage of multiplication. It seems likely that a certain minimum ratio between the number of organisms and the amount of antibody is necessary for the occurrence of GI (1). This theory may also explain why a large inoculum gives a smaller inhibition zone, and why the maximum interval between inoculation and application of antiserum is greater at 27 C than at 37 C.…”