Canine mycoplasmas: serological studies of type and reference strains, with a proposal for the new species, Mycoplasma opalescens.

The type and reference strains of all Mycoplasma species or "serogroups" presently known to occur in dogs were compared serologically. Tests of growth inhibition and metabolism inhibition as well as indirect immunofluorescence tests did not disclose any cross reactions. Examination by double immunodiffusion revealed at least one antigen specific for each strain tested. In addition, the common antigens were found within the glucose fermenting group and within the arginine metabolizing group of Mycoplasma strains, respectively. No antigens were shared by these groups. The arginine positive strain MH5408, serogroup D was found to differ serologically from all other arginine positive Mycoplasma species. Serogroup D is therefore a new species for which the name Mycoplasma opalescens is proposed. The type strain is MH5408 (ATCC 27921 and NTCC 10149). Finally, serological data are presented which relate strain HRC689 to M. mycoides.