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Dr. Garth L. Nicolson’s work on Mycoplasma fermentans in the 1990s combined classical microbiology with cutting-edge molecular methods. His key discoveries included:
1. Isolation and characterization of a novel “incognitus” strain of M. fermentans
In collaboration with S.C. Lo and others, Dr. Nicolson helped define a previously unrecognized, highly invasive strain of Mycoplasma fermentans—termed M. fermentans “incognitus.” This work, funded by the U.S. Army, culminated in U.S. Patent 5,242,820, which describes:
• Unique antigenic determinants and membrane lipids of the incognitus strain, suitable for generating monoclonal antibodies and “mimic” lipid-particle vaccines .
• Strain-specific DNA sequences (based on 16S rRNA and other loci) and corresponding probes, enabling PCR-based detection of M. fermentans incognitus in clinical specimens .
2. Development of highly sensitive PCR (“Gene Tracking”) assays
Nicolson’s group pioneered forensic PCR methods to detect mycoplasmal gene sequences directly in patient leukocytes—far more sensitive than standard serology. Using these assays they showed that approximately half of symptomatic Gulf War veterans (and many fibromyalgia/CFS patients) bore systemic M. fermentans infections .
3. Molecular epidemiology linking M. fermentans to chronic multisystem illness
By sequencing and phylogenetically comparing clinical isolates, Nicolson demonstrated that the incognitus strain shared unique sequence homologies across patients, suggesting a common source—possibly vaccine-related—and an ability to persist intracellularly, evade immune clearance, and trigger long-term pathology .

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Adverse health consequences of inadvertent injection of M. fermentans–tainted vaccine

Though subsequent DoD-sponsored studies found no viable mycoplasma or DNA in licensed anthrax vaccine lots (see below), Nicolson’s clinical observations and molecular findings suggest that if M. fermentans were introduced via injection, it could:
• Establish a slow-growing, intracellular infection capable of persisting for months to years.
• Trigger chronic fatigue, neurocognitive dysfunction, musculoskeletal pain, arthralgias and myalgias, by virtue of persistent immune activation and release of inflammatory mediators .
• Cause dermatologic (rashes), gastrointestinal (diarrhea), and systemic (intermittent fever) symptoms, reflecting multi-organ tropism of the organism.
• Lead to relapsing–remitting illness, with partial responses to prolonged antibiotic courses (e.g. multiple six-week cycles of doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin), but frequent relapses if treatment is stopped prematurely .
• Contribute to more severe outcomes in immunocompromised hosts, including opportunistic infections, and—in animal models—tumorigenesis and organ pathology when injected M. fermentans incognitus caused morbidity in nude and immunocompetent mice .

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Department of Defense–sponsored PDF reports
1. Chapter Three: Bacterial Diseases (Mycoplasma)
In: Rand Report “Infectious Paper,” GulfLINK (DoD health branch)
Comprehensive review of mycoplasmal diseases—including Dr. Nicolson’s data on Gulf War veterans—and methods for detection and treatment.
Download PDF
2. Absence of Mycoplasma Contamination in the Anthrax Vaccine
Hart MK, Del Giudice RA, Korch GW; USAMRIID (DoD)
Rigorous culture and nested-PCR testing of Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA) lots showed no viable mycoplasma or mycoplasma DNA; formally exonerates AVA as a source of M. fermentans exposure .
Download PDF

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References
• US Patent 5,242,820 “Pathogenic Mycoplasma” (S.C. Lo et al., Sept 7 1993)
• Nicolson GL, Nicolson NL. Diagnosis and treatment of mycoplasmal infections in Persian Gulf War Illness–CFIDS patients. Intern J Occup Med Immunol Toxicol. 1996;5(1):69–78.
• Nicolson GL. Update of the 1972 Singer–Nicolson fluid–mosaic model of membrane structure. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2014;1838(6):1451–1456. (Background on Nicolson’s molecular expertise.)
• Hart MK, Del Giudice RA, Korch GW. Absence of mycoplasma contamination in the anthrax vaccine. Emerg Infect Dis. 2002;8(1):94–96.