Mycoplasma's are intracellular organisms that are extremely small, have pleomorphic characteristics (change shape and structure), lack rigid and distinctive cell walls and have unusual growth cycles and growth requirements (a semi-hibernation state for prolonged periods). This makes testing for Mycoplasma's much harder and more complicated than testing for all other bacteria.

Because the Mycoplasma is intracellular, the immune system does not readily produce antibodies (proteins made by a white blood cell as a primary defense against foreign substances, like IgG, IgM, etc). An antibody response has been demonstrated, but usually not until the disease has progressed.

Accurate diagnosis of Mycoplasma is complicated because mycoplasma is one of the few major bacterial pathogens of humans that can not be cultivated in vitro (or outside the body-- grown on a culture dish). Because of their extremely fastidious nature and the lack of reliable means for cultivation on artificial media, detection of these Mycoplasmal organisms rests primarily with molecular techniques.

The most reliable molecular technique offered today is with a lab test called a PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction). PCR, one of the most significant advances in DNA and RNA-based technologies, is a powerful tool enabling laboratories to detect a single gene of an infectious agent in any body fluid with improved accuracy and sensitivity . However, performing a PCR lab test on a standard whole blood sample may not even find the Mycoplasma, simply because it may be residing in other fluids and tissues in the body and not the blood (i.e.; the fluid in the joints, in the spinal fluid, or in any tissue cell or organ). A PCR test is usually done to detect each Mycoplasma species. These individual laboratory tests can be expensive, but are insurance reimbursable if ordered by your primary care physician.

These ultra-sensitive and ultra-specific Mycoplasma PCR tests can only be done by a small number of laboratories, and most university or government labs that have been specifically trained under a U.S. government contract.

MYCOPLASMA PATHOGEN SPECIES

Mycoplasma fermentans incognitus
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Mycoplasma hominis
Mycoplasma genitalium
Mycoplasma penetrans
Ureaplasma urealyticum

(Created 7/1/05 by Sharon Briggs)