title: Mycoplasma pulmonis detection in rodents: lessons for diagnosis in other species.
abstract: Evaluation is made of cultural and serological tests used in the diagnosis of mycoplasma infections in normal and barrier-maintained colonies of rats and mice. Special emphasis is put on the significance of positive ELISA tests for immunoglobulin M and G (IgM and IgG) and on the difficulty resulting from the presence of cross-reactive antigens in Mycoplasma pulmonis and M. arthritidis. Recommendations are made as to the diagnostic tests most adequate for monitoring laboratory animal colonies for mycoplasma infections.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003429:Cross Reactions; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005856:Germ-Free Life; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D009174:Mycoplasma / Q000276:immunology; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000635:transmission; D051381:Rats; D012376:Rodent Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D007075:Immunoglobulin M