Mycoplasmas are the smallest self-producing microorganisms and can reproduce in extracellular space. Although they are mostly harmless to humans, other host animals and plants, some species can cause disease in humans. In particular, 6 species are a frequent cause of contamination in continuous cell lines and primary cells. Because of their size, mycoplasma are not detectable (e.g. under the microscope) and yet they profoundly alter cell cultures (metabolism, cell growth, pH, viability, membrane transport).

The main source of mycoplasma contamination is other infected cell cultures as well as culture media, reagents (fetal bovine serum, trypsin, etc.) and laboratory personnel.

Mycoplasma contaminations can cost money, time and reputation, compromise research results or impact the safety of biologic therapies. Effective strategies against mycoplasma contaminations are prevention, early detection, removal of infected material, or disposal of mycoplasma.

Early detection of bacteria in cell cultures is the only reasonable solution and the only control measure against a common problem for life science laboratories: bacterial contaminations in cell cultures.

Up to 5% of all cell cultures are contaminated with bacteria but show no visual signs of bacterial contamination, such as turbidity, sudden change in the colour of the medium (phenol red) or microscopic particles. In addition, bacteria may show resistance or lack of sensitivity to standard antibiotics (e.g. penicillin/streptomycin) and have a direct impact on cell metabolism, growth and differentiation.