Mycoplasmas are bacteria that cause infections in the respiratory tract and in the urinary and genital tracts.
Mycoplasmas are different from other bacteria because they do not have cell walls. Many antibiotics, such as penicillin, kill bacteria by weakening cell walls. Because mycoplasmas do not have cell walls, many antibiotics cannot effectively kill them.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia and acute bronchitis in all age groups. Outbreaks have occurred in schools, camps, and military facilities.
Mycoplasma genitalium can cause sexually transmitted infections of the urethra (urethritis) and sometimes, in women, pelvic inflammatory disease.
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that The Manual is not responsible for the content of these resources.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Mycoplasma genitalium
