This document discusses Mycoplasma and cell wall defective bacteria. It notes that Mycoplasma are the smallest viable organisms that can live independently and lack a cell wall. Four species are of medical importance in causing pneumonia, genitourinary infections, and lung disease in premature infants. Mycoplasma are difficult to culture due to their small size and lack of a cell wall. They require sterols and grow slowly. Pathogenic Mycoplasma can cause direct cell damage and cytotoxicity. Cell wall defective bacteria are bacterial mutants that lack complete cell walls. They include L-forms and spheroplasts and do not have the same genetic relationship as Mycoplasma.

1. Mycoplasma and Cell wall defective bacteria Dr Sabrina Moyo Department of Microbiology and Immunology