Mycoplasma are the smallest free-living microorganisms lacking a cell wall. They can cause respiratory infections like pneumonia through surface adhesion to the respiratory tract. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of atypical pneumonia where symptoms include a gradual onset of fever, malaise, headache, and cough. Laboratory diagnosis involves isolation from throat swabs and serological tests. Mycoplasma can also cause genital infections transmitted sexually, associated with conditions like urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility.

1. Mycoplasma G-ve