Mycoplasma pneumoniae Attachment and Colonization of the Respiratory Mucosa

摘要: Mycoplasmas are remarkable bacteria distinguished most notably by the complete lack of a cell wall, which is reflected their grouping in taxonomic class Mollicutes. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections typically transmitted aerosol route, with common manifestations being bronchitis and atypical, or “walking,” pneumonia. Extrapulmonary consequences reported for about 25% M. infections. The small size minimal genome belies an unexpectedly complex cellular architecture that includes novel cytoskeleton differentiated polar structure, terminal organelle. By combining mutant analysis digital imaging growing cultures, significant headway realized assigning functions to certain organelle components respect gliding motility development. As leading end motility, likely initiate recognition binding host receptors. authors speculate may contribute colonization pathogenesis respiratory tract at least three ways. Researchers have begun utilize normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) model system explore directly interaction cells mucosal epithelium early stages infection. reduced attachment NHBE P200 makes compelling, though not definitive, case role mucosa.