Category: M

Increased levels of high molecular weight proteins (macroglobulins) in the blood; though small amounts of macroglobulins are normally present, increased levels are abnormal and may be due to a number of disease states (e.g., multiple myeloma, lupus, liver cirrhosis). The presence in the blood of an abnormal form of immunoglobulin-M, produced by a tumor of…

Species causing atypical pneumonia in man; cultivable on PPLO medium with small (0.6 -2.0 mm) colonies developing over 10 days in sealed Petri dishes. A species of Mycoplasma that can cause infections of the upper respiratory tract and the lungs (mycoplasma pneumonia).  

Quick growing (3 days) mycoplasma which requires no special media for growth. Found in the urinary tract; its pathogenicity is the subject of doubt. A species of Mycoplasma that can cause genital tract infections (nongonococcal urethritis).  

Slow growing thermophihc (42°C), poorly pigmented (‘parvochromogenic’) species. Both pathogenic and saprophytic roles in sputum.  

Slow growing non-pigmented skin-infecting species; first isolates grow only at 33°C. A species that causes infections of skin and its underlying soft tissues. It is a common cause of illness in tropical and subtropical Africa and South America, where it is responsible for Buruli ulcer. It is thought to be the third most common disease-causing…

The causative organism of tuberculosis in man. Straight or slightly curved bacillus some 3 x 0.3 μm; shorter or longer forms occur on culture. Acid – and alcohol-fast, and may show beading. Grows slowly (2-4 weeks) on egg media; very infective to guinea-pigs, less so to rabbits. The causative agent of tuberculosis in humans. A…

Rapid growing saprophyte, at temperatures 18° 45°C; pigmented on occasion. Found in labial and preputial secretions and in urine.  

Slow growing mesophile, scotochromogenic though not necessarily strongly so. Associated with scrofula and less frequently with pulmonary infection.  

Red pigmented saprophytic organism weakly acid-fast, non- fastidious of cultivation; possibly Nocardia rather than Mycobacteria.  

The Timothy grass bacillus, a ubiquitous saprophytic organism growing rapidly on unspecialized media and at temperatures from 20° C to 52° C; frequently pigmented. A species that is gram-positive, aerobic, fast-growing, photochromogenic, and nonpathogenic, commonly found in grasses and soil.