Evaluation of avian mycoplasma membranes as antigens.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae membranes were obtained by lysing mycoplasma cells with carbonate bicarbonate buffer at pH 10. Membrane preparations were compared with whole-cell preparations as to efficacy in the plate and tube agglutination and hemagglutination-inhibition tests. Membrane antigens were somewhat more sensitive in the plate and tube agglutination tests, whereas the hemagglutination-inhibition test showed no major difference between whole and membrane antigens. The membrane preparations were equal to whole-cell antigens in specificity.