Mycoplasma gallisepticum

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A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Mycoplasma gallisepticum

Classification

Higher order taxa

Bacteria; Firmicutes; Mollicutes; Mycoplasmatales; Mycoplasmataceae; Mycoplasma; gallisepticum

Species

NCBI: Taxonomy

Genus species

Description and significance

  M. gallisepticum is a bacterial pathogen that results in chronic respiratory disease.  

It is found in the respiratory system of poultry and other avian species at a temperature of 37°C. The pathogen lacks a cell wall, has a flask-shaped appearance, blebs at the poles of the cell and specialized tip-like organelles. Depending on the environment, M. gallisepticum can survive from a few days to months. On cotton, rubber, hair and feathers, M. gallisepticum can survive between one and four days. In dry conditions at 4°C it can survive 61 days and at 20°C, survive 10 to 14 days. The sequencing of the genome was to determine the pathogenic mechanism of virulence of the bacterium. A clone of the genomic strain Rlow designated Rlowc2 (isolated from the respiratory system of chickens and the respiratory organs, eyes and brains of avian species) was used to sequence the genome of M. gallisepticum.

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?

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] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Edited by Tawny Issarapanichkit, student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano