Notes on Mycoplasma-Like Organisms in Skin Tumors of Dover Sole, Microstomus pacificus, Taken Near Sewage Outfalls

Abstract

Electron microscopical observations of skin tumors of Dover Sole, Microstomus pacificus, taken near sewage outfalls at Santa Monica Bay, Newport Beach, and Port Hueneme, California reveal mycoplasma-like organisms in all tumors (nine) of the five specimens. Since a mycoplasma, Acholeplasma laidlawii, has been isolated from sewage, the presence of mycoplasma-like organisms (if indeed they are mycoplasmas) in the skin tumors of M. pacificus suggests that sewer effluent may be a possible source.