Bacteria without Cell Walls

Mycoplasma: lack cell walls. A group of bacteria is bound only by a cytoplasmic membrane. The lack of cell walls allows them to slip right through the pores.

Examples:

• Mycoplasma galliepticum

• Mycoplasma bovis

• Mycoplasma conjunctivae

Mycoplasmas target Red Blood Cells

• Mycoplasma haemocanis → Transmitted by Ticks

• Mycoplasma haemofelis → Transmitted by Fleas

Characteristics

• Slow growing

• Facultative aerobes

• Do not gram-stain

• Pleomorphic

• Must be cultured

Habitit/Transmission:

• Found on mucosal surfaces

• Transmission is by direct contact with infectious droplets

Diseases:

• Mycoplasma gallisepticum: Respiratory disease in chickens and turkeys. Airsacculitis and sinusitis.

• Mycoplasma bovis: Severe respiratory disease in cattle

• Mycoplasma conjunctivae: Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (pink eye) in goats and sheep.

• Mycoplasma haemocanis:

  • Dogs: Transmitted by Ticks. Typically, asymptomatic

• Mycoplasma haemofelis:

  • Cats: Transmitted by Fleas. Acute hemolytic anemia