Mycoplasmataceae
Mycoplasmataceae is a family of bacteria in the order Mycoplasmatales. This family includes the genera Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma, among others. Members of this family are characterized by the absence of a cell wall, which makes them naturally resistant to many common antibiotics such as penicillin that target cell wall synthesis. They can be parasitic or saprotrophic.
Characteristics[edit]
Mycoplasmataceae are typically very small bacteria, ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 micrometers in diameter. They are also characterized by their lack of a cell wall, which distinguishes them from most other bacteria. This characteristic allows them to assume a variety of shapes, and also makes them resistant to antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis.
Genera[edit]
The Mycoplasmataceae family includes several genera, including:
- Mycoplasma
- Ureaplasma
- Acholeplasma
- Anaeroplasma
- Asteroleplasma
- Candidatus Hepatoplasma
- Candidatus Phytoplasma
- Entomoplasma
- Hemoplasma
- Mesoplasma
- Spiroplasma
Pathogenicity[edit]
Several species within the Mycoplasmataceae family are pathogenic in humans and animals. For example, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of atypical pneumonia, and Mycoplasma genitalium is associated with sexually transmitted infections.
Treatment[edit]
Because Mycoplasmataceae lack a cell wall, they are resistant to many common antibiotics. However, they can be treated with antibiotics that target the bacterial ribosome, such as macrolides and tetracyclines.
See also[edit]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding the page. |
