In vitro studies of mycoplasma-like organisms.

We determined whether the western X mycoplasma (WXM) isolated from Colladonus montanus could be maintained in vitro by ultrathin sections or by assay of infectivity. Large spherical or small electron-dense bodies like those found in intact infected cells were observed in some media. Infectivity of WXM can be maintained for 28 days in cultured salivary glands in a newly developed medium, and for 281 days (seven passages) in modified AcTc, for 231 days (eight passages) in modified PC, 107 days (one passage) in spiroplasma medium, and 52 days (one passage) in modified GITC medium extracts. However, there is no evidence that WXM multiplied in any medium.