Characterization and identification of caprine, genital mycoplasmas.

A total of 55 mycoplasma strains, isolated from the vagina of goats, were examined. Three strains, being arginine positive and glucose negative, could not be finally classified. Five isolates were identified as Acholeplasma laidlawii. Fourty-seven strains were phosphatase positive, glucose and arginine negative. Nine of these formed “film and spots” on standard growth medium, and reduced tetrazolium aerobically. Serological examination identified 7 as M. agalactiae, while 2 were M. bovis. The remaining 38 isolates did not reduce tetrazolium aerobically, and did not produce “film and spots.” on standard growth medium. All these except one were identified as M. bovigenitalium by immunofluorescence. Their relationship to group 11 otf is discussed.