mycoplasma

American  

[mahy-koh-plaz-muh] / ˌmaɪ koʊˈplæz mə /

noun

1. any of numerous parasitic microorganisms of the class Mollicutes, comprising the smallest self-reproducing prokaryotes, lacking a true cell wall and able to survive without oxygen: a common cause of pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

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mycoplasma British  

/ ˌmaɪkəʊˈplæzmə /

noun

1. any prokaryotic microorganism of the genus Mycoplasma, some species of which cause disease ( mycoplasmosis ) in animals and humans

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mycoplasma Scientific  

/ mī′kō-plăz′mə /

1. Any of a phylum of extremely small, parasitic bacteria that have a flexible cell membrane instead of a rigid cell wall, can assume a variety of shapes, are usually nonmotile, and are capable of forming colonies. Too small to be seen with a light microscope, mycoplasmas are thought to be the smallest organisms capable of independent growth. They are often pathogenic or parasitic in mammals and cause a number of important plant diseases, notably among citrus fruits. Mycoplasmas of the genus Mycoplasma are dependent upon sterols such as cholesterol for growth and cause several types of pneumonia in humans and animals.

2. See also phytoplasma

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Etymology

Origin of mycoplasma

From New Latin, dating back to 1950–55; myco-, plasma

Example Sentences

But Mary was placed on the no-fly list after she was found to harbor mycoplasma bacteria.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 21, 2024

Officials said doctors should consider swabbing for respiratory viruses, mycoplasma and pertussis when patients come in with common symptoms such as cough, fever or fatigue.

From Washington Times • Nov. 30, 2023

The speaker said that global monitoring for mycoplasma pneumoniae had been at a low over the past three years and outbreaks were cyclical, occurring every three to seven years.

From Reuters • Nov. 23, 2023

Chinese officials have attributed the illnesses to known pathogens such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2 — the virus behind the coronavirus pandemic — and mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common bacterium that typically causes mild illness in children.

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2023

In December, the Palace said that Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, 44, collapsed due to heart arrhythmia, which it later said was from a mycoplasma infection.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 8, 2023