Identification of Mycoplasma Contamination in Cell Culture

Abstract

Mycoplasmas are the smallest and simplest prokaryotes wich were found in the endosomes of mammalian cells. They are widespread contaminants in cell cultures. It was identified a mycoplasma infection in a human breast cancer cell line. It was used fluorescence microscopy and nuclear affinity 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. For the treatment of mycoplasma infection in cell culture, two antibiotics of the macrolide series (Tiamulin) and tetracyclines (Minocycline) was used. The effectiveness of combined antibiotic therapy against mycoplasmas has been proven, which was confirmed by the microscopic method. Therefore, treatment with combined antibiotics can completely eradicate mycoplasma infection from cultured cells.