Mycoplasma citelli, a New Species from Ground Squirrels

Two mycoplasmas, from a group of five strains previously recovered from ground squirrels, were found to be similar in biochemical and serological properties. The organisms were able to ferment glucose and other carbohydrates, did not hydrolyze arginine or urea, produced a film-and-spot reaction, and could grow at temperatures from 30 to 37°C. The organisms required cholesterol for growth. The two strains were shown to be serologically distinct from 64 Mycoplasma species or unclassified serotypes. On the basis of these findings and of other morphological, biological, and serological properties of the organisms, it is proposed that mycoplasmas with these characteristics belong to a new species, Mycoplasma citelli. Strain RG-2C (= ATCC 29760) is the type strain.