Section 5: Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Section 5: Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma Deck (5)
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1
Q

What are the characteristics of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma

A
  • Lack a cell wall, consequently very pleomorphic
  • Cell membrane contains high level of sterols
  • Tiniest free living organisms capable of self replication
  • Require cholesterol for growth in culture
  • Absence of cell wall makes them resistant to any antibiotic that interferes with cell wall synthesis
2
Q

What is the epidemiology of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

A
  • Worldwide distribution
  • Estimated that 2 million cases of pneumonia in U.S. per year
  • Estimated 20 million cases of other respiratory disease (mild)
  • Infection is spread by nasal secretions
3
Q

What is the pathology of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

A

-Typically -mild respiratory disease
-Primary atypical pneumonia (PAP) or walking pneumonia
• Cough
• Fever
• Headache
• Some patchy findings on chest radiographs

4
Q

What is the autoimmune response due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae

A

Some antigens on human RBCs are identical to antigens on M. pneumoniae
-This can cause some autoimmune response, but only in some patients

5
Q

What is Ureaplasma urealyticum

A

T-strain Mycoplasma (T=tiny)
• Produce tiny colonies
• Many infants, mostly girls, are colonized at birth (part of normal flora)
• Approximately 75% of sexually active adults are colonized with U. urealyticum
• Ureaplasma found in urine producing urease to break down urea
• Sexually transmitted
• Opportunistic infections o Nonchlamydial nongonococcal urethritis, not vaginitis
• Can cause neonatal infection