Which Mycoplasma species is cited as being grown on SP4 agar?

Which Mycoplasma species is cited as being grown on SP4 agar?

• A. Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• B. Mycoplasma genitalium
• C. Mycoplasma fermentans
• D. Mycoplasma hominis

Answer: (D)

SP4 agar is a rich, cholesterol-containing medium used specifically to cultivate certain Mycoplasma species. Mycoplasma require sterols for their cell membranes and thrive in nutrient-rich environments, which SP4 provides. Among these organisms, Mycoplasma hominis is classically grown on SP4 agar, appearing as colonies after incubation. The other species are more typically associated with different media or with more stringent, specialized culture conditions: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is commonly grown on Eaton’s agar, while Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma fermentans are more fastidious and not routinely cultured on SP4 in standard labs.

SP4 agar is a rich, cholesterol-containing medium used specifically to cultivate certain Mycoplasma species. Mycoplasma require sterols for their cell membranes and thrive in nutrient-rich environments, which SP4 provides.

Among these organisms, Mycoplasma hominis is classically grown on SP4 agar, appearing as colonies after incubation. The other species are more typically associated with different media or with more stringent, specialized culture conditions: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is commonly grown on Eaton’s agar, while Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma fermentans are more fastidious and not routinely cultured on SP4 in standard labs.