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Ureaplasma urealyticum
Shapes range from filamentous to spherical (pleomorphic).
Has a diameter of up to 0.8 um
Has no cell wall but a triple layered membrane including sterol.
Has urease which converts urea to ATP + ammonia
The ammonia increases the pH and limits growth.
Incubation in 100% Carbon Dioxide = larger colonies than N2, O2 and air
- Adding putrescine and urea to the growth medium = improved growth.
Ureaplasma urealyticum: My Work
Ecology
Grows around pH 5-9
Natural flora in vagina, commensal that often does little harm.
Often isolated from the genitourinary tract in humansÂ
Also isolated from amniotic fluid and only usually causes infection when it travels up the reproductive tract.
= adverse effects on pregnancy.
Ureaplasma urealyticum: Welcome
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