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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]

The Mycoplasmataceae family includes several genera, including:

Pathogenicity[edit | edit source]

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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]

Mycoplasmataceae Resources
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