In this lecture, we discuss the smallest selfreplicating prokaryotes: Mycoplasma. Organisms within this genus have evolved to be closely host associated and have undergone a process of genome reduction leading to some truly unusual bugs! Mycoplasmas tend to be somewhat host specific, but include some VERY important current and historical diseases the first species of Mycoplasma to be described was the bovine pathogen Mycoplasma mycoides. I'll cover the basic microbiological characteristics, taxonomy, virulence factors, common clinical presentations, sample collection and diagnostic strategies, zoonotic potential and treatment options for these organisms.

Credits
Music: Schumann, R. Aufschwung, Op. 12 No. 2 by Robert Schumann. (August 12, 2023). [Recorded by M.C. Gaunt] Used with permission of the performer.