Mycoplasma Infections

Question 1

Mycoplasma

Answer 1

• smallest free living prokaryotes

- lack rigid cell wall

Question 2

M. pneumoniae

Answer 2

• tracheobronchitis, pneymonia, pharyngitis, otitis media
• acute, self-limiting lower respiratory tract infections
• attaches to glycolipid on surface of respiratory epithelium, then remains outside cells to reproduce and cause dysfunction
• host immune response probably plays a role in tissue injury
• usually shows patchy consolidation of single segment of lower lung lobe
• tends to be milder than other pneumonias

Question 3

Ureaplasma urealyticum

Answer 3

• urethritis, chorioamnionitis, postpartum fever

Question 4

Mycoplasma hominis

Answer 4

• postpartum fever