Summary auto-generated
This study describes Spiroplasma mirum, a new spiroplasma species identified from rabbit ticks (Haemaphysalis leporispalustris) collected in Georgia and Maryland. Three strains—SMCA, GT-48, and TP-2—showed similar biochemical, serological, and pathological properties and were found to be distinct from Spiroplasma citri, the only previously established spiroplasma species. The organisms grew between 20-37°C, required cholesterol for growth, fermented glucose, hydrolyzed arginine, and produced characteristic film and spot reactions. They lacked cell walls and possessed helical morphology typical of spiroplasmas. Serological testing confirmed complete distinctness from S. citri and all other known spiroplasma serogroups. Molecular analysis including DNA-DNA hybridization and protein gel electrophoresis further supported designation as a new species. Notably, these spiroplasmas were pathogenic for vertebrates, inducing cataracts in suckling rodents and lethal infections in embryonated eggs. Based on comprehensive biochemical, morphological, serological, and molecular evidence, the authors formally propose these isolates as Spiroplasma mirum, with SMCA strain (ATCC 29335) designated as the type strain.
Key findings
- Three spiroplasma strains from rabbit ticks share identical biochemical, serological, and pathological properties, representing a new species designated Spiroplasma mirum
- S. mirum is serologically and genetically distinct from S. citri and all other known spiroplasma serogroups, confirmed by growth inhibition tests, DNA-DNA hybridization, and protein electrophoresis
- The organism grows at 20-37°C, requires cholesterol, ferments glucose, hydrolyzes arginine, and produces film and spot reactions characteristic of spiroplasmas
- S. mirum possesses pathogenic potential, inducing cataracts and neurological disease in suckling rodents and lethal infections in embryonated chicken eggs
- SMCA strain (ATCC 29335) is designated as the type strain for the new species
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Abstract
Three spiroplasma strains recovered from rabbit ticks (Haemaphysalis leporispalustris) in Georgia and Maryland were found to be similar in biochemical, serological, and pathological properties. The organisms grew at temperatures of 20 to 37°C, required cholesterol for growth, fermented glucose, hydrolyzed arginine, and produced a film and spot reaction. The three spiroplasma strains were serologically distinct from the one established species (Spiroplasma citri) in the genus and from all other unclassified spiroplasma serogroups presently known. On the basis of these findings and other morphological, biological, and serological properties of the organism, it is proposed that spiroplasma strains with these characteristics be classified as a new species, Spiroplasma mirum. Strain SMCA (ATCC 29335) is the type strain.