Mixed antigen ELISA of Mycoplasma pulmonis and M. arthritidis for diagnosis of murine mycoplasmosis

Abstract

Infection of rodent facilities by microorganisms of the genus Mycoplasma can interfere with scientific research results. Mycoplasma pulmonis and Mycoplasma arthritidis are its main agents, and their prevalence can reach 100% in conventional colonies in developing countries. Detection through commercially available methods is normally limited. One of the most employed assays is the ELISA, with high sensitivity, specificity and low cost. The aim of this study was to develop an ELISA test with mixed M. pulmonis and M. arthritidis antigens and evaluate its performance as an alternative diagnostic method for mycoplasmosis. Sera from 81 rats were tested, using M. pulmonis antigen only (ELISA-Mp), M. arthritidis antigen only (ELISA-Ma) and 1:1 antigen mix (ELISA-mix). 50.61% (41/81) of the tested sera were positive for ELISA-Mp, 44.44% (36/81) were positive for ELISA-Ma e 46.91% (38/81) were positive for ELISA-mix. The mixed antigen test showed 72.00% sensitivity, 64.28% specificity and 47.36% positive predictive value. Statistical analysis of data displays concordance between ELISA-Mp and ELISA-mix. The newly developed assay presents satisfactory sensitivity and specificity patterns, and can make an expressive contribution for improving sanitary standards of laboratory animals and thereafter contribute with the development of experimental research.