Genus Mycoplasma: M. Pneumoniae, M. hominis

• What is the genus of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

  Mycoplasma
• What is a key morphological feature of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

  It is pleomorphic
• Why can't Mycoplasma Pneumoniae be gram stained?

  It has no cell wall
• What type of aerobe is Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

  Strict aerobe
• What does Mycoplasma Pneumoniae require in its media?

  Sterols addition
• What type of colonies does Mycoplasma Pneumoniae form on Eaton’s Media?

  ‘Fried Egg’ Colonies
• What is the reservoir for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

  Human Respiratory Tract
• How is Mycoplasma Pneumoniae transmitted?

  Through respiratory droplets
• What is a key virulence factor of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

  No cell wall, unresponsive to beta-lactams
• How does Mycoplasma Pneumoniae attach to the respiratory epithelium?

  Via P1 Protein
• What does Mycoplasma Pneumoniae produce that damages respiratory epithelium?

  H2O2 and superoxide radicals
• What is the result of the damage caused by Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

  Necrosis and walking pneumonia
• What is the superantigen function of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

  Elicits production of IL-1, IL-6 & TNF-alpha
• How does Mycoplasma Pneumoniae adjust its cell membrane?

  Mimics the host cell membrane
• What are the clinical manifestations of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae infection?

  • Atypical Pneumoniae
  • Non-Productive Dry Cough
  • Dyspnoea
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Sore Throat
  • Myalgias
  • Malaise
  • Cold Antibody Haemolytic Anaemia (IgM)
  • Erythema Multiforme
  • Acute Interstitial Nephritis
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
• What specimens are used for microbiological diagnosis of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

  Sputum, secretions, urine
• What culture media is used for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

  PPLO Media
• What is a characteristic of PPLO Media?

  Narrow haemolysis on blood
• What molecular techniques are used for diagnosis of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae?

  DNA Probe, PCR, Enzyme Immunoassay
• What is a common treatment for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae infection?

  Macrolides like Erythromycin
• What is the reservoir for Mycoplasma Hominis?

  Genitourinary Tract of sexually active adults
• How can Mycoplasma Hominis be distinguished from M. pneumoniae?

  By its carbon utilization pattern
• What are the clinical manifestations of Mycoplasma Hominis infection?

  • Postpartum/Postabortal Fever
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• What is the treatment for Mycoplasma Hominis infection?

  Doxycycline