Abstract

The contamination of cell cultures with mycoplasmas can have different cytogenetic effects, usually adhere to cell but, depending on the species, these bacteria deplete the nutrients of cell cultures and interfere with the response of these cells when challenged experimentally. The objective of the present study was mycoplasmas detection in cell cultures came from biomedical laboratories. The cell cultures were screened for mycoplasmas by using of microbiological culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Primers AR1 and AR2 were used for amplification of a 301-bp fragment from mycoplasmas DNA. Mycoplasmas were detected by culture and PCR in 68/88 (77%) and 78/88 (88.7%) samples, respectively. Mycoplasmas detection between the microbiological culture and PCR showing significant differences (p < 0.05).The use of two methods has been the most recommended strategy to minimize false results.

Key words: Mycoplasmas, cell culture, contamination, nested PCR.