mycoplasma

Thân thiện

A scientist examines a mycoplasma culture under a microscope.

Definition

Noun 1. A type of bacteria: Any of a group of very small, parasitic bacteria that are distinguished by the absence of a cell wall and the ability to survive in environments without oxygen. 2. A pathogen: Certain species within this group are known to cause diseases in humans, such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

Usage Examples

• As a biological classification:
  • Mycoplasma is one of the smallest known free-living organisms.
  • Scientists are studying the unique biology of mycoplasma.
• As a cause of disease:
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of walking pneumonia.
  • The doctor tested for mycoplasma as a possible cause of the infection.

Advanced Usage

• "Atypical pneumonia": This is a common clinical term for pneumonia caused by organisms like , which does not respond to typical penicillin antibiotics.
  • The patient's symptoms were consistent with atypical pneumonia, often caused by mycoplasma.

Variants and Related Words

• Mycoplasmal (adjective): Relating to or caused by mycoplasma.
  • The patient was treated for a mycoplasmal infection.
• Mollicutes: The scientific class name for the group of bacteria that includes mycoplasma.

Synonyms

• PPLO (Pleuropneumonia-Like Organisms): An older term historically used for mycoplasma.

Notes on Meaning

The term mycoplasma specifically refers to the genus Mycoplasma within the class Mollicutes. Its defining characteristic is the lack of a cell wall, which makes it naturally resistant to antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis, such as penicillin. This biological feature is central to its medical significance.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any of a group of small parasitic bacteria that lack cell walls and can survive without oxygen; can cause pneumonia and urinary tract infection