Mycoplasmas and their host: emerging and re-emerging minimal pathogens

Commonly known as mycoplasmas, bacteria of the class Mollicutes include the smallest and simplest life forms capable of self replication outside of a host. Yet, this minimalism hides major human and animal pathogens whose prevalence and occurrence have long been underestimated. Owing to advances in sequencing methods, large data sets have become available for a number of mycoplasma species and strains, providing new diagnostic approaches, typing strategies, and means for comprehensive studies. A broader picture is thus emerging in which mycoplasmas are successful pathogens having evolved a number of mechanisms and strategies for surviving hostile environments and adapting to new niches or hosts.

► Emerging and re-emerging pathogenic mycoplasmas best exploit their minimal genome. ► Advances in genomics allow understanding of prevalence and evolution of mycoplasmas. ► Advances in genomics improve our understanding of mycoplasma infections.