Mycoplasma /mī′kōplaz″mə/ [Gk, mykes + plassein, to mold] , a genus of ultramicroscopic organisms lacking rigid cell walls and considered to be the smallest free-living organisms. Some are saprophytes, some are parasites, and many are pathogens. One species is a cause of mycoplasma pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, pharyngitis, and bullous myringitis. See also pleuropneumonia-like organism.
