Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare contamination of mammalian cell cultures.
Mycobacterium avium contamination has been described as a putative contaminant of nonphagocytic mammalian cells. Screening of numerous cultured nonphagocytic mammalian cell lines revealed the presence of intracellular bacteria that were identified as M. avium-intracellulare. An extensive and critical analysis of the origin of infection, of cure protocols, and of biological manifestations in M. avium-infected cells is presented. As no tremendous visible alteration of turbidity or pH of cell culture media, and no morphological change occurred in most M. avium-infected cell cultures, detection of an infection by these bacteria is rather difficult. Recommendations are given for treatment of irreplaceable cultures and prevention of mycobacterial contamination in a tissue culture facility.
Lelong-Rebel
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IH
EA3430 ULP/CNRS, IRCAD, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg BP 426, 67091 Strasbourg Cedex, France. Isabelle.Lelong@ircad.u-strasbg.fr
Piemont
Y
Y
Fabre
M
M
Rebel
G
G
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002460:Cell Line; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004285:Dogs; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D015269:Mycobacterium avium Complex / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents