DNA probes for detection and identification of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium.

DNA probes specific for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium were selected from genomic libraries prepared in pUC13. The 32P-labeled probes could detect, by dot blot hybridization, down to about 0.1 ng of the specific mycoplasma DNA or 10(5) CFU. Biotinylation of probe decreased the sensitivity of detection and produced nonspecific background reactions with nonhomologous DNAs. Sulfonation of probe yielded a similar level of sensitivity with less background.