Preparation of a Heterogeneous Conjugate to Detect Mycoplasma iowae by Immunofluorescence

Fluorescent antibody technique has been used as a diagnostic tool for the identification of pathogenic avian Mycoplasma species. Fluorescein-conjugated antisera for Mycoplasma iowae prepared from rabbit hyperimmune serum against one serotype (I) has not always been reliable, giving false-negative results. A fluorescein-conjugated antisera was prepared with antibody against the six identified serotypes (I, J, K, N, Q, and R) that comprise the species M. iowae. This heterogeneous conjugate was used to positively identify M. iowae in field isolates and lab strains, while maintaining specificity. Polymerase chain reaction specific for M. iowae was used to determine specificity.