Characterization of Pleuropneumonia-Like Organisms by Deoxyribonucleic Acid Composition

Abstract
Summary Characterization of the DNA of 4 fermentative PPLO divides these organisms into 3 distinct groups, and demonstrates a fundamental heterogeneity within the class. Two of the organisms have guanine plus cytosine contents lower than any known for eubacteria. DNA from the Eaton agent possesses the same average base composition as certain Lactobacillaceae and Hemophilus species; this finding is of special interest because both PPLO and Hemophilus species are specific agents of interstitial pneumonias, and characteristic pleuropneumonias.