Mycoplasmosis research

Current research is mainly carried out for Defra, but we also do some work for the Food & Agriculture Organisation and several commercial companies. Defra funded project work includes:

  • the development of molecular typing methods, particularly for the exotic Mycoplasma species to develop suitable tests for epidemiological investigation.
  • the development of improved diagnostic tests.
  • fundamental research utilising available genomic information combined with protein analysis to investigate pathogenicity and virulence factors.

Other work includes antimicrobial testing, vaccine development, and the development of tests for future commercial development.

Image of 3D Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy

Image of AFLP analysis of M. bovis

Image of MIC’s of MmmSC and M. bovis against tilmicosin

The group supports its diagnosis and research work by gaining first hand experience of disease on the farms and the problems associated with control of mycoplasmoses.

Culture and serum collection

The Mycoplasma Group have a unique collection of recent Mycoplasma isolates. A range of high titred hypimmune typing antisera for most animal mycoplasmas is also available including the ‘Aarhus FAO/WHO centre’ mycoplasma antiserum collection.

For information on the availabilty of culture and serum collections or for more details about the work of the Mycoplasma Group, please contact us directly on 01932 357379 or 01932 357586.