Introduction Biology and Nomenclature of Mycoplasmas Characteristics of Mycoplasmas Taxonomy of Mycoplasmas Mycoplasma Contamination of Cell Cultures Incidence of Mycoplasma Contamination Most Common Contaminating Mycoplasma Species Sources of Mycoplasma Contamination Effects of Mycoplamsa Contamination Detection of Mycoplasma Contamination Various Detection Methods Most Reliable Detection Methods Elimination of Mycoplasma Contamination Various Elimination Methods Antibiotic Treatment as the Most Effective Method Working Protocols for Detection, Elimination and Prevention of Mycoplasma Contamination Routine Working Protocol for Detection Routine Working Protocol for Elimination Routine Working Protocol for Prevention Bibliography