In mycoplasmas (synonyms: Mycoplasma buccale; Mycoplasma fermentans; Mycoplasma genitalium; Mycoplasma hominis:Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Mycoplasma salvarium; Mycoplasma urealyticum; Mycoplasma infections; Ureaplasma urealyticum; ICD-10-GM A49.3: Mycoplasma infection of unspecified location) are Gram-negative, nonspore-forming bacteria belonging to the family Mycoplasmataceae.
Several species can be distinguished:
- Mycoplasma buccale – occurring in the oral cavity.
- Mycoplasma fermentans* – occurring in the genital area.
- Mycoplasma genitalium* – occurring in the genital area.
- Mycoplasma hominis* – occurring in the genital area.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae – occurring in the respiratory tract; most significant pathological representative.
- Mycoplasma salvarium – occurring in the oral cavity.
- Mycoplasma urealyticum* – occurring in the genital area.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum (also belongs to the group of mycoplasmas)* – occurring in the genital area.
* Commonly transmitted by sexual intercourse pathogens.
Medically relevant species of mycoplasmas are Mycoplasma pneumonieae and Mycoplasma hominis. All species, except Mycoplasma pneumoniae, occur physiologically in humans. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the smallest freely reproducing organism without a solid cell wall.
The contagiosity (infectiousness or transmissibility of the pathogen) of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is high.
Seasonal accumulation of the disease: Infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae occurs more frequently during the cold season.
The transmission (infection route) of Mycoplasma pneumoniae occurs predominantly via droplets, which are produced during coughing and sneezing and are absorbed by the other person via the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and possibly the eye (droplet infection) or aerogenically (through droplet nuclei (aerosols) containing the pathogen in the exhaled air), but also through smear infection.
The incubation period (time from infection to onset of disease) is usually 10-20 days.
Peak incidence: Infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae occurs predominantly in children and adolescents (between 5 and 15 years of age).
Course and prognosis: Infections with mycoplasma are usually self-limiting and often do not require therapy. Antibiotic therapy is indicated for severe courses.
