Microbial and viral contamination of animal and stem cell cultures: common contaminants, detection and elimination

Abstract

The microbial contamination of animal cell culture, including stem cells, such as the blood stem cells, is a common problem of cell culture laboratories. It is important to identify the types of microorganisms commonly contaminating the cell culture and the sources of contaminating microorganisms, as well as see their effects on cells in culture. This mini review provides a short account of common microbial contaminations of stem cell and animal cell cultures, their detection and elimination, as well as standard practices to ensure a healthy and sterile cell culture, and a brief account of methods used for identification of contaminating microorganisms in cell culture.