Genus Ureaplasma Flashcards
1
Q
Classification
A
Family: Mycoplasmataceae
GENUS
Mycoplasma
SPECIES
M.pneumoniae
M.hominis
M.genitalium
M.incognitus
P H I G
GENUS
Ureaplasma
SPECIES
U.urealyticum
Present in the urogenital tract of both male and female
2
Q
Growth characteristics
A
- similar structure to mycoplasma
- highly pleomorphic (as they lack a cell wall)
- bound by triple layer “unit membrane” containing sterol - this causes them to stain as gram (-)
- Also called T strains or T forms of mycoplasma
- fastidious ( require cholesterol)
- requires 10% urea for growth
- urease positive
3
Q
Microbiological diagnosis
A
Can be grown on cell free media
4
Q
Disease
A
- Urethritis in 20% cases that are not caused by gonococci
- Lung disease in premature infants
5
Q
Treatment
A
Tetracycline or Macrolides (erythromycin)
6
Q
Antigenic structure
A
Multiple banded antigen (MBA)- a surface protein
7
Q
Virulence factors
A
Phospholipase A and C
IgA protease
Urease
