NAME: Mycoplasma orale, M. salivarium, M. fermentans
SYNONYM OR CROSS REFERENCE: N/A
CHARACTERISTICS: Gram-negative pleomorphic cells, smaller than conventional bacteria (0.2-2µm), parasitic and saprophytic in existence
PATHOGENICITY: Mucosally associated, respiratory and urogenital tract localization, rarely penetrates the submucosa; M. orale - common in upper respiratory tract; M. salivarium - common non-pathogenic species of upper respiratory tract and oral cavity; M. fermentans - occasionally isolated from oropharynx of humans, strains have been isolated from brains of AIDS patients
EPIDEMIOLOGY: Worldwide; M. salivarium frequently isolated from individuals with periodontal disease
HOST RANGE: Humans, non-human primates
INFECTIOUS DOSE: Not known
MODE OF TRANSMISSION: Droplet exposure from the oropharynx
INCUBATION PERIOD: Not clearly identified
COMMUNICABILITY: Low
RESERVOIR: Humans, non-human primates; M. salivarium occasionally found in horses
ZOONOSIS: None
VECTORS: None
DRUG SUSCEPTIBILITY: Sensitive to penicillin, erythromycin and aminoglycosides
DRUG RESISTANCE: M. fermentans isolates from AIDS patients are erythromycin resistant
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DISINFECTANTS: Sensitive to disinfectants - 1% sodium hypochlorite and 70% ethanol, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, iodines
PHYSICAL INACTIVATION: Sensitive to drying, moist heat (121° C for at least 15 min) and dry heat (160-170° C for at least 1 hour)
SURVIVAL OUTSIDE HOST: Sensitive and will only survive 4-6 h at room temperature
SURVEILLANCE: Monitor for symptoms
FIRST AID/TREATMENT: Antibiotic therapy
IMMUNIZATION: None available
PROPHYLAXIS: Not usually administered
LABORATORY-ACQUIRED INFECTIONS: 4 reported cases of Mycoplasma infection up to 1976
SOURCES/SPECIMENS: Blood, synovial fluid, amniotic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, prostatic secretions, semen, wound aspirates, sputum, pleural fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage specimens; swabs from nasopharynx, cervix, vagina, wounds and urethra
PRIMARY HAZARDS: Low risk; droplet exposure of mucus membranes; infectious aerosols; parenteral inoculation; ingestion
SPECIAL HAZARDS: None
CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS: Well designed laboratory with good microbiological practices; this level of containment does not allow for any additional risk that may present for those persons with pre-existing disease, compromised immunity or who are pregnant
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Laboratory coat; gloves when direct contact with infectious materials is unavoidable
OTHER PRECAUTIONS: None
SPILLS: Allow aerosols to settle; wear protective clothing; gently cover spill with paper towels and apply 1% sodium hypochlorite, starting at perimeter and working towards the centre; allow sufficient contact time (30 min) before clean up
DISPOSAL: Decontaminate before disposal - steam sterilization, chemical disinfection, incineration
STORAGE: In sealed containers that are appropriately labelled
Date prepared: March, 2001
Prepared by: Office of Laboratory Security, PHAC
Although the information, opinions and recommendations contained in this Material Safety Data Sheet are compiled from sources believed to be reliable, we accept no responsibility for the accuracy, sufficiency, or reliability or for any loss or injury resulting from the use of the information. Newly discovered hazards are frequent and this information may not be completely up to date.
Copyright ©
Health Canada, 2001
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