The genital mycoplasmas

Abstract

The smallest free-living, self-replicating organisms known, the mycoplasmas have been the subject of intense research. Of the 12 species that have been found in association with humans, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, M. hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum have been clearly shown to have pathogenic properties. The newly described M. genitalium may also have the ability to cause disease. The syndromes with which these organisms have been associated in the genital tract are reviewed, as well as methods of diagnosis and therapy.