Serological Comparison of Bovine T-mycoplasmas

SUMMARY: Eight bovine T-mycoplasmas examined serologically by the metabolism inhibition test, growth inhibition on agar and by immunofluorescence showed considerable serological heterogeneity. None of the eight strains was serologically identical with any other, but three formed a group of similar organisms. No evidence was obtained for one particular serotype being confined to a specific anatomical site or being isolated typically from any particular pathological condition. Antisera to the bovine T-mycoplasmas were tested against eight serologically distinct human strains and a caprine, a simian and a canine T-mycoplasma. None of the non-bovine strains was identical to these bovine T-mycoplasmas.