Mycoplasma: Morphology | Pathogenesis | Clinical features| Diagnosis, Treatment | Mycoplasma | PPLO

Microplasma structure and characteristics

• Microplasma is the smallest bacterial species on Earth with a simple structure.

• Genetic material, DNA, soluble RNA, and proteins are encapsulated in a trilaminar membrane that is densely packed with cholesterol.

• Microplasma can survive without oxygen.

• They can come in different shapes and change their shape and size, making them highly pleomorphic organisms.

"Microplasma are the smallest bacterial species on planet Earth with a simple structure."

Lack of cell wall and detection challenges

• Microplasma lacks a cell wall, which is why it doesn't take up gram staining and is challenging to detect.

• This characteristic makes it difficult for technicians to identify microplasma.

• Microplasma can be parasitic or saprophytic.

• Many species of microplasma are found in sewage and soils, not all of which are pathogenic.

"Microplasma lacks a cell wall, which makes it challenging to detect."

Pathogenic species and clinical implications

• Some species of microplasma, such as M. pneumoniae, can cause diseases like walking pneumonia.

• M. genitalium is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease and bacterial vaginosis.

• M. hominis can be found in the urinary tract and genitals of women and can cause infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune responses.

• Some microplasma species can be transmitted from mother to baby, causing fever in newborns.

"Some species of microplasma can cause specific diseases like walking pneumonia, pelvic inflammatory disease, and bacterial vaginosis."

Ureplasma and its impact on male and female reproductive tract

• Ureplasma and Ureaplasma are species that can infect the female reproductive tract, primarily the cervix and vagina.

• They can also be present in smaller numbers in the male urethra.

• While they generally do not cause problems, they can spread to partners during sex and can be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth, potentially harming the newborn.

"Ureplasma and Ureaplasma are species that can infect the female reproductive tract and can be transmitted to partners during sex or from mother to baby."

Antibiotic treatment for microplasma infections

• Beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin are ineffective against microplasma because they work on the cell wall, which microplasma lacks.

• Tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline, which prevent protein synthesis, can be effective in treating microplasma infections.

• Testing for microplasma contamination is routine in cell culture labs worldwide due to its high prevalence.

"Beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin are ineffective against microplasma, but tetracycline antibiotics like doxycycline can be used for treatment."