Etiology is a word used to describe the cause (or causes) of a disease or condition.
In humans, many of the Mollicutes may be considered as commensals. (The microorganisms may live alongside/be present among normal flora.) Invasive disease is rare and occurs usually only when the host is immunocompromised. The sites of colonization in the human (depending upon the genera/species) may be the:
- Genital tract
- Gingiva (gums of the mouth)
- Oropharynx
- Respiratory tract (upper)
Specific Mollicutes may be considered
pathogenic, that is, causing infection or disease. The body sites associated with pathogenic mycoplasmas
(Mycoplasma and/or
Ureaplasma) include:
- Respiratory tract (upper and lower)
- Urogenital tract (urethra, prostate, kidney, pelvis, vaginosis, cervix, endometritis, urine [UTI])
- Tissues (fetal)
- Blood - bacteremia
- Joints (arthritis), CSF
- Wounds and abscesses
Pathogenesis will be discussed on the next page.
