Mycoplasma has been shown to affect which of the following species?

Mycoplasma is a genus of bacteria known for its unique characteristics, including the lack of a cell wall, which allows it to infect a wide variety of host species without being easily detected by the immune system. This adaptability is what makes Mycoplasma a significant concern in veterinary medicine, affecting multiple species.

In the context of poultry, various strains of Mycoplasma can lead to respiratory diseases, such as infectious coryza and Mycoplasma gallisepticum infections, which can severely impact the health and productivity of birds. Similarly, in the dairy industry, Mycoplasma bovis is notorious for causing mastitis and pneumonia in cattle, along with other illnesses. Therefore, Mycoplasma's ability to infect both poultry and dairy cows highlights its versatility and the importance of monitoring and managing these infections across species.

This insight into Mycoplasma's interspecies infection capabilities underscores why mixing animals, such as in a farm setting, creates concerns about disease transmission and necessitates careful health management practices.