Ureaplasma parvum
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Ureaplasma parvum
Classification
Higher order taxa
cellular organisms; Bacteria; Firmicutes; Mollicutes; Mycoplasmatales; Mycoplasmataceae; Ureaplasma; Ureaplasma parvum
Species
Ureaplasma parvum
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
Description and significance
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.
Ureaplasma parvum is a new species of Ureaplasma urealyticum. In the past Ureaplasma urealyticum was separated into U. urealyticum biovar (1) and biovar (2). Until recently, new research has suggested replaced the separation with the creation of 2 new species known has Ureaplasma parvum and U. urealyticum. Ureaplasma parvum was the formerly known U. urealyticum biovar (1). It is a pathogenic ureolytic mollicute (mycoplasma) commonly found in healthy and diseased humans. It is one of the smallest free living organisms known. Linked to many neonatal, male, and female specific diseases; its genome was sequenced in 2000. Favoring acidic growth medium’s it colonizes the genital and lower urinary tracts of humans.
Genome structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?
Ureaplasma parvum is a mycoplasma that has a genome consisting of 750,000 base pairs. It’s genome sequence was completed in 2000. Known macrolide resistant mutants have been associated with mutations in the 23S rRNA and in the L4 and L22 ribosomal proteins.
Cell structure and metabolism
Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?
Current Research
Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required
References
[Sample reference] [http://www.ebi.ac.uk/newt/display?search=134821&from=www
[Pereyre, S., Metifiot, M., Cazanave, C., Renaudin, H., Charron, A., Bebear, C., Bebear, C.M. “Characterisation of in vitro-selected mutants of Ureaplasma parvum resistant to macrolides and related antibiotics”. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. 2007. Volume 29. p. 207-211.]
[Cultrera, R., Seraceni, S., Germani, R., Contini, C., “Molecular evidence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum colonization in preterm infants during respiratory distress syndrome”. BMC Infectious diseases. 2006. Volume 6. No. 166.]
[Kong, F., Ma, Z., James, G., Gordon, S., Gilbert G.L., “Ureaplasma urealyticum Using PCR-Based Assays”. Journals of Clinical Microbiology. March 2000. Volume 38, No. 3. p. 1175-1179.]
Edited by student Chris Katsura of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
