Mycoplasma capricolum

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Mycoplasma capricolum

Classification

Higher order taxa

Cellular organisms; Bacteria; Firmicutes; Mollicutes; Mycoplasmatales; Mycoplasmataceae; Mycoplasma

Species

Mycoplasma capricolum

NCBI: Taxonomy

Description and significance

Mycoplasma capricolum belongs to the genus Mycoplasma, which is a genus of bacteria that does not have cell wall neither murein. This Gram-negative, spherical organism is distinguished from other bacteria by its small size (a characteristic of the genus Mycoplasma) and requirement of cholesterol for growth. Though hard to isolate, this microorganism still can be obtained from lungs and pleural fluid of affected animals in necropsy.

Genome structure

The size the circular genome of Mycoplasma capricolum is 1155.5 kb, and has 25% of GC content. 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?

Cell structure and metabolism

M. capricolum has no cell wall but only lipid bilayer membrane, up to 2/3 of unesterified cholesterol is in the outer membrane. Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

The natural transmission pathway of M. capricolum is through inhalation of infectious droplets, though infection could be achieved through injecting cell culture experimentally. When inhaled, it is bound by the cell membrane and its surface-exposing lipoproteins induce strong antigenic reactions. However, its sophisticated antigenic variation makes it hard for the host immune system to produce proper antibody to suppress the infection. An extracellular polysaccharide structure may have capsule-like funcion. Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

M capricolum is a causative agents of caprine respiratory diseases and severe arthritis, and the infection often leads destructive result in Africa and Asia goat farming industry. Fever is also observed at the end of incubation period. Some subspecies of Mycoplasma capricolum, for example,M. capricolum subsp. mycoides and M. capricolum subsp.capripneumoniae are especially virulent. The morbidity and mortality rate of some subspecies is of 60%-70%. Long-term survival is possible but often accompanied with pleuropneumonia or chronic pleurutis. 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

Swanepoel R., Efstratiou S, Blackburn NK: "Mycoplasma capricolum associated with arthritis in sheep". 1977 Veternery Record Volume 101,p, 446-447

Rurangirwa, F. R., T. C. Mcguire, N. S. Magnuson, A. Kibor and S. Chema. "Compositionof a polysaccharide from mycoplasma (F38) recognized by from goats with contagious pleuropneumonia Res." The Journal of Veterinary Science 1987 Volume42 p.175-178

Miyata M, Wang L, Fukumura T, "Physical mapping of the Mycoplasma capricolum genome" FEMS microbiology letters 1991 Apr 15;63(2-3):329-33