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Journal of Medical Microbiology logo Journal of Medical Microbiology

Volume 74, Issue 4

JMM Profile: : a small, yet significant pathogen Open Access

This article is part of the JMM Profiles collection.

Graphical Abstract

 Graphical abstract 

infections are enabled by multiple virulence factors, both intracellular and expressed on the cholesterol-containing phospholipid membrane. Intracellular accessory proteins form the tip structure, which adheres to epithelial cells via the transmembrane adhesion complex of Nap proteins, P110 and P140. Protein M binds to the Fab region of immunoglobulins with a high affinity to both λ and κ chains, enabling immune system evasion. Membrane lipoproteins and extracellular polymeric substances help in biofilm formation, which is thought to facilitate infection persistence.

 

 

Abstract

is characterized by a small genome and a lack of a cell wall, contributing to its unique biology. It is associated with reproductive tract infections, including non-gonococcal urethritis and pelvic inflammatory disease. It is nearly as common as chlamydia in most studies from high-income countries. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in raises concern about the long-term efficacy of current therapeutic strategies. Understanding its genomic intricacies and pathogenic mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted interventions to address the growing public health impact of this elusive microbe.

  • Received:
  • Accepted:
  • Published Online:
Keyword(s): fluoroquinolones , macrolide resistance and non-gonococcal urethritis
Funding
This study was supported by the:
  • European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
    • Principle Award Recipient: L BeetonMichael
© 2025 The Authors
  • This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. This article was made open access via a Publish and Read agreement between the Microbiology Society and the corresponding author’s institution.
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2025-04-04
2025-04-27
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