19. Mycoplasma & Chlamydia

Question 1

What is Chlamydia?

Answer 1

genus of:
- small
- non motile
- obligate intracellular bacteria => absolutely needs a eukaryotic cell to live inside for survival & replication (cuz it lacks ATP pdn)

Question 2

Chlamydia cannot be visualised by gram staining bcuz..

Answer 2

• has a lipopolysaccharide membrane but lacks peptidoglycan
  => atypical bacteria

Question 3

How does Chlamydia replicate?

Answer 3

• forms intracellular inclusions within the cytoplasm of host cells
• inclusions can be seen by light microscopy

Question 4

How is C. trachomatis transmitted?

Answer 4

• through oral, vaginal & anal sex
• can be passed from mother to baby during delivery, causing pneumonia or serious eye infections

Question 5

How is C. trachomatis detected?

Answer 5

PCR test

Question 6

C. trachomatis is treated w what ABs?

Answer 6

1. Tetracycline: Doxycycline
2. Macrolides: Azithromycin, Erythromycin

Question 7

What are the symptoms of C. trachomatis?

Question 8

What is Mycoplasma?

Answer 8

genus of smallest free-living bacteria
- can pass through filters used to remove bacteria
- pleomorphic (round to filamentous)
- has cell membrane but no cell wall => cannot take up gram stain
- natural resistance to penicillins