[Mycoplasmas and mycoplasmosis: the etiopathogenetic problems and nosological, clinical and diagnostic advances]

Authors point out, on the basis of literature and of their own experience, the following aspects of Mycoplasma infections: 1) Genetical and biological progresses, especially related to pathogenetic aspects and diagnostic procedures. 2) Recent clinical and diagnostic findings of M. pneumoniae infections: "bacteria-like" pulmonary presentations by mycoplasmas (and, on the contrary, "virus-like" pulmonary presentations by bacteria); atypical kinds of pulmonary presentations by mycoplasmas; role of autoimmunity in extrapulmonary involvement. 3) Relationship among mycoplasmas, immune system and autoimmune diseases, with particular regard to animal models and to the Mycoplasma "superantigen". 4) Appearance of new pathogens and of a new spectrum of Mycoplasma infections: genito-urinary involvement by Ureaplasma urealyticum and by M. Hominis; relationship between Mycoplasma spp. and HIV infection.