Kingdom Bacteria Order Mycoplasmatales Higher classification Mycoplasmatales | Phylum Tenericutes Scientific name Mycoplasmataceae Rank Family | |
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Lower classifications Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum | ||
The Mycoplasmataceae is a family of bacteria in the order Mycoplasmatales. This family consists of the genera Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma.
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In 1967 the Order Mycoplasmatales was incorporated into the class Mollicutes. Many species are sexually transmitted and cause pelvic inflammatory disease.
Mycoplasma
Mycoplasma refers to a genus of bacteria that lack a cell wall and possess a three layered cellular membrane. They can be parasitic or saprotrophic. Several species are sexually transmitted and pathogenic in humans. Others are found on cats, dogs, and barnyard fowl.
Ureaplasma
Ureaplasma is the second of two genera of bacteria belonging to the family Mycoplasmataceae. As the name imples, ureaplasma is urease positive.
It includes the species:
Ureaplasma parvum has been identified as being a commensal in the uterus as part of the microbiome in healthy women of reproductive age.