Effect of pH on growth and survival of three avian and one saprophytic Mycoplasma species.

The ability of Mycoplasma meleagridis, M. laidlawii, an unnamed, nonpathogenic avian species, and three isolates of M. gallisepticum to grow and survive in liquid media of various pH values was investigated. All species grew over a pH range that was generally about two units. The most significant finding was that cultures initiated in media within a pH range of approximately 8.5 to 8.9 remained viable for 45 to 60 days at 37 C, whereas cultures initiated at lower values survived for shorter periods.