Isolation of Mycoplasma orale From Leukemic Bone Marrow and Blood by Direct Culture

Mycoplasma were isolated from 5 bone marrow specimens and 1 blood specimen obtained from 4 of 1 0 patients with acute leukemia by use of modified Eaton agent media supplemented with arginine, glutamine, glucose, and vitamins. Mycoplasma were recovered in either an aerobic or a 5 percent carbon dioxide and 95 percent nitrogen atmosphere. Isolates from 3 of the 4 patients were identified as Mycoplasma orale but those from the fourth patient were not typed. Isolations were made during the early clinical stages of leukemia-before the initiation of antileukemic therapy in 3 of 4 instances and before the patients showed evidence of infection. Control cultures of 10 bone marrow specimens obtained from patients during heart surgery were negative for Mycoplasma. The significance of the findings is discussed.