|
Mycoplasmas are ubiquitous prokaryotes lacking a cell wall. They are distinct from bacteria and viruses.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia, particularly community-acquired, M.
genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum are suspected causes of nongonococcal urethritis. They (and M.
hominis) are often present in patients with other urogenital infections (eg, vaginitis, cervicitis, pyelonephritis, pelvic inflammatory disease) and some non-urogenital infections, but whether they cause these infections is not clear.
Mycoplasmas are not visible on light microscopy. Culture is technically difficult and often unavailable, but laboratory diagnosis is sometimes possible with DNA probes or by detection of antibodies or antigens; frequently, diagnosis must be clinical. Macrolides are usually the antimicrobials of choice. Most species are also sensitive to fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines.
Last full review/revision November 2005
Content last modified November 2005
| 
