Ureaplasma urealyticum gen. nov., sp. nov.: proposed nomenclature for the human T (T strain) mycoplasmas

Abstract

The biological properties and special characteristics of the human T mycoplasmas have been reviewed and summarized. The T mycoplasmas are distinguished from all other known mycoplasmas by their production of urease, and, therefore, by their ability to hydrolyze urea. This singular property significantly sets the T mycoplasmas apart from all other members of the order Mycoplasmatales. In consideration of this distinguishing property, it is reasonable to propose establishing a new, separate genus in the family Mycoplasmatales in which to classify the T mycoplasmas isolated from man and lower animals. The name Ureaplasma is proposed for this new genus, which at present contains a single human species of at least eight different serotypes. The name Ureaplasma urealyticum is proposed for this new species. The type strain of U. urealyticum is human strain 960 (CX8), serotype VIII (Black); it has been deposited in the American Type Culture Collection as ATCC 27618.