Types of Mycoplasma

The four types of mycoplasma are mycoplasma pneumoniae, mycoplasma hominis, mycoplasma genitalium and ureaplasma. Mycoplasmas are the "smallest organisms capable of independent replication," at only 0.2 to 0.8 micrometers, according to Genoscope. All four affect humans in a negative way but can be treated.

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae

• Mycoplasma pneumonia, an airborne bacterium, causes upper respiratory tract infections which lead to mycoplasma pneumonia in 5 to 10 percent of patients. It can also lead to tracheobronchitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotics are prescribed for all three conditions.

Mycoplasma Hominis

• Mycoplasma hominis, a small pathogenic bacterium lacking a cell wall, is the only type of mycoplasma in which the genome sequence is unknown. It causes genital infections in women and causes extragenital infections in newborns, especially ones with immuno-deficiencies, according to Genoscope.

Mycoplasma Genitalium

• Mycoplasma genitalium, which generally causes no symptoms in those affected, is a sexually transmitted disease similar to gonnorrhoea and chlamydia, according to Women's Health. Mycoplasma genitalium causes bacterial vaginosis in women and urethritis in men. Antibiotics can treat the bacteria.

Ureaplasma

• Ureaplasma, like mycoplasma genitalium, causes urethritis and generally has no symptoms. It metabolizes urea. It's transmitted from mother to offspring at or before birth, during sex (including oral sex), or by tissue transplants.