Life Sciences Commons^™

Mycoplasmas & Mycobacteria: Minimalists At Work, Shalee Killpack

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Mycoplasmas and mycobacteria are two types of opportunistic pathogens whose prevalence and virulence have long been underestimated. As a broad overview, this paper will explore the current understanding of these bacteria as well as some common pathological outcomes they can induce. Chronic infections, such as contagious bovine pleuropneumonia and Johne's disease, can have extensive health and economic impacts on animal industries when improperly managed. Contamination of biopharmaceuticals and human variants of disease, are also matters of concern as more research is conducted in these areas. A more detailed understanding of these bacteria is beginning to emerge-a view which reveals mycoplasmas …