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.

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