Abstract
A taxonomical study was carried otut on Mycoplasrnatales of equine origin. Of124 swab samples collectecl from tlae respiratory and urogenital tracts in 26 apparentlyhealthy horses, 37 (29.87) g;tve positive results in Llae isolation of Mycoplasmas. Theorganisms were isolated from oral cavity (at the rate of 16/25), nasal cavity (4/26), trachea(3/21), conjunctiva (4/12), vaginta (81719), urethra (1/12), and prepuce (3/21). A total of110 strains were cloned frorn 37 positive ctzltures. Of them, 102 strains were found to besterol-nonreqttiring strains (Acholeplasma) in the serum requicement test.The Acholeplasma strains isolated from horses were cxaminec[ for antigenic relationshipsby the growth inhibition, agar get diffusion, and biological test to compare with those fromcalle. They were classified into 5 serological types; that is, Acholeplasrna laidlawii (76strains), A. granularunt (otte strain), A. axanthutn (cane strain), and 2 other distinct types(13 and 4 strains, respectively). Tihe other 7 Acho1ep[asma and 8 Mycoplasma strains couldnot be typed.On the basis of the results of the present study, it seemed ?easonable to conclude thatthe 2 distinct sero-types migl?t be new species of the genus Aclnoleplasma.
