A large collection of avian Mycoplasma cultures was used in studies to improve and develop biological and biochemical characterization techniques. Differential patterns among 11 avian serotypes were shown by carbohydrate fermentation, tetrazolium- and methylene blue-reduction reactions, breakdown of arginine, and the formation of film on egg yolk-agar. Some cultures fermented as many as 14 carbohydrates. Polyhydric alcohols and pentoses were among the compounds fermented. An improved procedure for determining methylene blue reduction by Mycoplasma was developed. These simple, rapid procedures are reproducible and should be useful in grouping Mycoplasma isolates prior to definitive identification by serological or other means.
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