Mycoplasma Flashcards
What class do mycoplasmas belong to and what does the name mean?
Class Mollicutes (“soft-skin”)
In what year were mycoplasmas first isolated and from which disease?
1891 from contagious bovine pleuropneumonia
What phenomenon occurs when host antigens cover mycoplasma surfaces?
“Capping”
What reciprocal phenomenon occurs with mycoplasmal antigens?
They incorporate onto host cell surfaces
Name all 6 morphological forms observed in mycoplasmas:
Cocci, filaments, spirals, rings, globules, granules
What intracellular components are present in mycoplasmas?
Ribosomes and double-stranded DNA
What specific protein enables shape-changing ability?
Actin-like contractile protein
Describe the membrane structure:
Trilaminar without peptidoglycan support
What special structure does M. mycoides subsp. mycoides possess?
Capsular polysaccharide covering
List all 4 staining methods that effectively stain mycoplasmas:
Giemsa, Castaneda, Dienes, methylene blue
What exact pH range is required for growth?
pH 7.6–8.0
What two atmospheric conditions support growth?
10% CO₂ or anaerobic conditions
Describe the complete colony morphology:
Minute colonies with transparent peripheral ring and central granular area embedded in agar (“fried egg”)
What avian system is used for propagation?
Embryonated eggs
Which amino acid do non-fermentative strains catabolize?
Arginine
Which species hydrolyzes arginine?
M. arginini
Where is M. bovigenitalium normally found?
Genital tract of heifers and seminal fluid of bulls
What are the two subspecies of M. mycoides
subsp. mycoides and subsp. capri
List all 4 clinical manifestations of M. capricolum:
Septicemia, polyarthritis, conjunctivitis, mastitis
Describe the precise lung lesions in Enzootic porcine pneumonia:
Hepatized purplish/grayish areas in apical/cardiac lobes
Name all 5 bird species affected by M. gallisepticum:
Chickens, turkeys, pheasants, pigeons, partridges
What bacterial/viral co-infections exacerbate CRD?
H. gallinarum, E. coli, infectious bronchitis virus
What two microscopic techniques are used for fluid samples?
Dark-field and phase-contrast microscopy
Mycoplasmas contain both RNA and DNA. (T/F)
True (dsDNA and ribosomes present)
All mycoplasmas require arginine for growth. (T/F)
False (only non-fermentative strains)
M. bovoculi causes ocular infections. (T/F)
True (implied by species name)
