Mycoplasma are classified as a genus of bacteria that have no cell walls and consist of over 120 species. Mycoplasma are pathogenic, cannot be gram stained and are the smallest bacterial cells discovered. These bacteria are often unaffected by antibiotics and frequently linked to several types of cancers.
Mycoplasma testing is a necessary quality control requirement to certify that dependable research is performed and to ensure that the biotechnology products produced are reliable.
Applicable Standards
- USP <63>
- 9 CFR 113.28
- 21 CFR 610.30
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction – the latest breakthrough in mycoplasma testing)