What is Mycoplasma and how does it affect our health? Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria classified as Mollicutes. In Latin terms, Mollis means soft and cutis means skin. Scientists have identified over 100 different mycoplasma species, and it was once thought to be a fungus because of their similar characteristics. Mycoplasma is identified, microscopically, by its tiny size, unique shape, and absent cell wall.
This particular bacteria can be parasitic and thrive in warm-bodied hosts. The bacteria need the cholesterol from their host to survive and grow. It affects both animals and humans. They are responsible for at least two commonly known diseases in humans, Mycoplasma Pneumonia (M. Pneumonia) which targets the respiratory tract, and Mycoplasma Genitalium (M. Genitalium) which infects the genitourinary system.
Pneumonia is a contagious bacterial infection of the lungs which is commonly referred to as “walking pneumonia. It is spread by infected droplets from the nose and throat. An infected person is considered contagious for approximately ten days. Good hand washing and covering the mouth and nose when sneezing are important to prevent spreading.
Usually, the symptoms of M. Pneumonia are mild and do not require bed rest but are typically treated with antibiotics. Sometimes the only symptom is a mycoplasma rash which eventually leads to the diagnosis of M. pneumonia. Azithromycin is one of the commonly prescribed treatments but has been known to also cause a rash.
The mycoplasma rash presents as an outbreak of the skin with tiny, red, crustless pustules on the face, trunk, armpits, arms, legs, and groin. The rash is usually itchy and can be treated with topical corticosteroids and an antihistamine if needed. If the rash developed after Azithromycin, the antibiotic should be discontinued.
There is very little information about why the mycoplasma bacterium causes a rash. There is, however, clinical documentation about the skin rash that develops as a result of the treatment used for the infection. Therefore, sometimes a mycoplasma rash is, basically, a side effect of the treatment of the antibiotic, Azithromycin. Once the antibiotic has been discontinued, close medical observation is needed to watch for a possible superinfection.
Another mycoplasma disease is M.Genitalium. It is a fairly common sexually transmitted disease that is contracted through unprotected sex. Symptoms may or may not be present. If a person is symptomatic, the most common symptoms are burning with urination, painful intercourse urethritis, and arthritis. M. Genitalium is linked to bacterial vaginosis and is a suspect in the cause of pelvic inflammatory disease. There is no mention of a specific rash presentation for M. Genitalium; however, STDs do commonly have a related skin reaction.
Science is still uncovering information about the tiny mycoplasma organism and has instituted measures in laboratories to prevent mycoplasma contamination in cell cultures. It is important that cell cultures infected with mycoplasma not be used for experimental or diagnostic work.
Mollicutes have been successful in colonizing because cell cultures provide a nourishing environment and their tiny size has enabled them to go undetected to the naked eye.
