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Human mycoplasmal infections: serologic observations
Abstract:
Three species of mycoplasmas have been implicated in human disease. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which causes upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, and other complications, is an uncommon isolate from the ororespiratory tract except during outbreaks of disease. Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum are the two principal species of genital mycoplasmas. These are responsible for some cases of urogenital infections, and more recent studies show that they are associated with perinatal disorders. Glycolipid antigens of M. pneumoniae dominated serologic studies of mycoplasmas until recently, when protein antigens were isolated. The latter isolations, the production of monoclonal antibodies to attachment proteins, and the demonstration of antibodies to these proteins will make it possible to identify specific pathogenic components involved in infection due to M. pneumoniae and will permit evaluation of the relative roles of the glycolipid and protein antigens. Serologic studies of the genital mycoplasmas have demonstrated seven serotypes of M. hominis and at least 16 serotypes of U. urealyticum, the latter falling into two large serogroups. Type-specific tissue invasion with genital mycoplasmas has been demonstrated, particularly in relation to perinatal morbidity. Surface antigens of genital mycoplasmas are in the early stages of definition and purification. Present data indicate that there are specific protein antigens, but other possible antigenic forms may exist.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae and genital mycoplasmas cause human diseases. Research is advancing the identification of specific antigens for M. pneumoniae and genital mycoplasmas, aiding in understanding infection and perinatal disorders.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycoplasmas are significant human pathogens, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae causing respiratory infections and genital mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum) linked to urogenital and perinatal issues.
- Historically, glycolipid antigens of M. pneumoniae were primary targets in serologic studies.
- Genital mycoplasmas exhibit significant serotype diversity, with M. hominis having seven and U. urealyticum at least 16 serotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of mycoplasma species implicated in human diseases.
- To highlight advancements in identifying specific antigenic components of M. pneumoniae and genital mycoplasmas.
- To discuss the implications of antigen identification for understanding pathogenesis and disease associations.
Main Methods:
- Review of serologic studies focusing on glycolipid and protein antigens of M. pneumoniae.
- Isolation and characterization of protein antigens from M. pneumoniae.
- Production of monoclonal antibodies against M. pneumoniae attachment proteins.
- Serotyping of genital mycoplasmas (M. hominis and U. urealyticum).
- Investigation of type-specific tissue invasion by genital mycoplasmas.
Main Results:
- Recent studies have isolated protein antigens from M. pneumoniae, shifting focus from glycolipid antigens.
- Monoclonal antibodies to M. pneumoniae attachment proteins enable identification of specific pathogenic components.
- Seven serotypes of M. hominis and at least 16 serotypes of U. urealyticum have been identified.
- Type-specific tissue invasion by genital mycoplasmas is associated with perinatal morbidity.
- Surface antigens of genital mycoplasmas are under early investigation, with evidence for specific protein antigens.
Conclusions:
- Advances in antigen identification for M. pneumoniae will allow evaluation of glycolipid versus protein antigen roles in infection.
- Understanding genital mycoplasma serotypes and antigens is crucial for addressing perinatal morbidity.
- Further research into genital mycoplasma surface antigens is needed to define their role in disease.