A Selective Medium and Color Test for Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Abstract

Two common laboratory compounds, methylene blue chloride (MB) and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), were studied for their reactivity with or against human strain mycoplasma. Addition of 0.002% of MB to PPLO agar converts it to a medium which is highly selective for Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This modification is recommended for epidemiological surveys, for purification of cultures, and even for identification of M. pneumoniae. A test based on a color reaction between M. pneumoniae and TTC has been described. This test is recommended for confirming or establishing the identity of this species from other mycoplasma of the human respiratory tract.