1. Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma G. Jamjoom

2. Mollicutes Five families – 200 species 16 species colonize humans 5 species associated with human disease

4. Properties of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma Smallest free-living bacteria (0.1-0.3)um No cell wall (resistant to penicillins and cephalosporins) Susceptible to tetracyclines and erythromycin Cell membrane contains sterols (unique property) Strict aerobes Small colonies (fried-egg appearance (except M.pneumonia)

5. Pathogenic Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma Mycoplasma pneumonia : Respiratory tract Mycoplasma hominis : Respiratory tract, Genitourinary tract Mycoplasma genitalium : Genitourinary tract Mycoplasma fermentans : Respiratory tract, Genitourinary tract Ureaplasma urealyticum : Respiratory tract, Genitourinary tract

6. Mycoplasma pneumonia Only infects man Worldwide disease Transmitted by inhalation of droplets Infection more in children than adults Leads to loss of ciliated epithelial cells Causes upper and lower respiratory infections

7. Mycoplasma pneumonia Diagnosis : Culture ( slow) Molecular Diagnosis - PCR Serolgy - Cold agglutinin (sensitivity 65%, poor specificity - ELISA

8. Mycoplasma pneumonia Treatment : - Erythromycin - Fluoroquinolones - Tetracycline Vaccination : - No effective vaccine available

9. Other Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma Asymptomatic carriage common Suspected role in : M.genitalium U. urealyticum: - nongonococcal urithrits M. Hominis : - pyelonephritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, postpartum fever