Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma is a genus of bacteria that lack cell walls and include species causing respiratory and urogenital infections in humans and other animals.

Mollicutes: Mollicutes are a class of bacteria characterized by small genomes and the absence of a peptidoglycan cell wall. Mycoplasma belongs to this broader class of wall-less bacteria.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a human respiratory pathogen that causes tracheobronchitis and atypical pneumonia. It is the best-known species behind Mycoplasma-associated respiratory infections.
Atypical pneumonia: Atypical pneumonia is a form of pneumonia with clinical or radiographic features that differ from classic lobar pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause, especially in school-aged children and young adults.
Ureaplasma: Ureaplasma is a genus of wall-less bacteria that includes species associated with human urogenital colonization and disease. It is a close relative often discussed alongside urogenital Mycoplasma.
Genome reduction: Genome reduction is the evolutionary loss of genes, often associated with specialized or host-dependent lifestyles. Mycoplasma genomes offer examples of how far bacterial gene loss can proceed.
Bacterial cell wall: The bacterial cell wall is a structural layer, usually containing peptidoglycan, that protects cells and maintains shape. Mycoplasma lacks this normally widespread bacterial structure.
Mycoplasma genitalium: Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted bacterium associated with urethritis and cervicitis. Its slow growth and limited treatment options illustrate the clinical challenges of this genus.
Polymerase chain reaction: Polymerase chain reaction is a method that amplifies specific DNA sequences for detection or analysis. PCR can detect Mycoplasma genetic material directly in respiratory or urogenital specimens.
L-form bacteria: L-form bacteria are variants of normally walled bacteria that can grow without a cell wall under certain conditions. Unlike Mycoplasma, L-forms arise from bacterial lineages that ordinarily possess cell walls.
Minimal genome: A minimal genome is the smallest set of genes sufficient for an organism to sustain life under specified conditions. Mycoplasma species help define which functions a small, host-associated bacterium must retain.

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