mükoplasmad

Mycoplasmas are a genus of bacteria that lack a cell wall. This unique characteristic makes them inherently resistant to many antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis, such as penicillin. They are among the smallest known living organisms, with sizes typically ranging from 0.2 to 0.3 micrometers. Mycoplasmas are found in various environments, including soil, water, and as inhabitants of plants and animals.

In humans and animals, some mycoplasma species are commensal, meaning they live in or on the host without causing harm, often residing in the respiratory or urogenital tracts. However, other species are pathogenic and can cause a range of diseases. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, often referred to as "walking pneumonia" due to its typically milder presentation. Other mycoplasma species can cause urinary tract infections, reproductive tract infections, and arthritis. Diagnosis often involves laboratory tests such as PCR, antibody detection, or culture, though culturing can be challenging due to their fastidious nutritional requirements. Treatment typically involves antibiotics like macrolides or tetracyclines, which target protein synthesis rather than cell wall formation.