Serologic Typing of Human Genital T-Mycoplasmas by a Complement-Dependent Mycoplasmacidal Test

Abstract

Serologic characteristics of T-mycoplasmas were studied with use of the newly discovered, complement-dependent mycoplasmacidal reaction. Antisera were prepared against 14 strains of T-mycoplasmas that had been isolated from the genital tracts of pregnant women and from infants. Cross-reactivity of these sera with 47 strains of T-mycoplasma, including the 14 immunizing strains, showed the presence of five serogroups on the basis of shared common antigens and of 11 serotypes within these groups. The T-mycoplasmas came from a variety of sources, and all could be typed using the 14 available sera. No single type seemed to be associated with nongonococcal urethritis, pregnancy, or infancy, although there was some tendency for low-birthweight babies to be colonized by a smaller number of serotypes than was found in all pregnant women. The typing method appears to be specific and sensitive. The serologic diversity of T-mycoplasmas seems to be great, but it is likely that most strains can be classified using a relatively limited number of typing sera.