Indirect hemolysis test use for the detection of Mycoplasma antibodies and for intra-species differentiation of Mycoplasma strains
Zaleska, M.; Kaluzewski, S.
Medycyna Doswiadczalna i Mikrobiologia 28(2): 145-160
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-8601 PMID: 775225 Document Number: 102525
Tannin-treated Mycoplasma-coated sheep erythrocytes were lysed by complement in the presence of specific antibodies. With the model of M. hominis and M. pneumoniae, optimal conditions for the lytic reaction were established and a colorimetric determination of specific antibody levels in rabbit immune antisera was made. The hemolytic test is not inferior to the hemagglutination test in sensitivity, and is superior in specificity, since optimal antigen dose can be selected. Conditions for inhibition of the hemolytic reaction were also elaborated. In this test the activity of 3 standard strains (PG-21, 4387-P and H-27) and 3 recently isolated strains of M. hominis was compared. In the homologous systems the hemolytic reaction is inhibited with 4-12 .mu.g of Mycoplasma protein; in the heterologous systems the same result is obtained with 75-500 .mu.g of the protein. The hemolysis inhibition can possibly be used for intra-species differentiation of Mycoplasma strains.