Mycoplasma are bacteria that lack a conventional cell wall. They are capable of replication. Mycoplasma cause various diseases in humans, animals, and plants.

There are seven species of mycoplasma that are known to cause disease in humans. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important cause of sore throat, pneumonia, and the inflammation of the channels in the lung that are known as the bronchi. Because of the atypical nature of the bacterium, mycoplasma-induced pneumonia is also referred to as atypical pneumonia. The pneumonia can affect children and adults. The symptoms tend to be more pronounced in adults. In fact, children may not exhibit any symptoms of infection. Symptoms of infection include a fever, general feeling of being unwell, sore throat, and sometimes an uncomfortable chest. These symptoms last a week to several months and usually fade without medical intervention.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae can also cause infections in areas of...