What type of infections can Mycoplasma cause?

Mycoplasma is a genus of bacteria characterized by their lack of a cell wall, which makes them unique among bacteria and allows them to adopt various shapes and sizes. The primary type of infections caused by Mycoplasma are respiratory infections. The most notable is Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which is associated with atypical pneumonia, often referred to as "walking pneumonia." This type of pneumonia can present with a mild illness that can persist long enough to lead patients to delay seeking medical care.

Mycoplasma can also contribute to other respiratory syndromes, particularly in young adults and children, where it may lead to bronchitis or exacerbate asthma. Its ability to colonize the respiratory tract is facilitated by its adhesion mechanisms, allowing it to latch onto the epithelial cells in the lungs.

While Mycoplasma is not typically associated with gastrointestinal infections, skin infections, or blood infections, primarily the respiratory tract's mucosal surfaces serve as the key habitat for the pathogenic forms, emphasizing their specialized role in causing respiratory diseases.