About Mycoplasma Fermentans
Mycoplasma are a large group of bacteria that have been linked to a number of medical conditions. Most mycoplasma are benign and do not cause any problems at all. There are only a few species of mycoplasma that are aggressive, and mycoplasma fermentans is one of those species. As a parasitic bacteria, a study performed by the University of Texas medical science center asserts, mycoplasma fermentans attaches to host cells and feeds on their proteins.
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Leukemia and Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Mycoplasma fermentans were originally discovered in the lower genital tract. However, no connection has been made so far between infection with mycoplasma fermentans and genital conditions. Mycoplasma fermentans were since found in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and in the bone marrow of leukemia patients. No further research developments were made in the involvement of mycoplasma fermentans in leukemia, but some later studies have found the bacteria to be present in many other forms of joint disease.
AIDS
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According to the University of Texas medical science center, a virus-like agent that was discovered during studies of the DNA of AIDS patients was later found to be mycoplasma fermentans. The bacteria has since been found to contribute to systematic organ failure in AIDS patients.
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Gulf War Syndrome
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Dr. Garth Nicholson of the University of Texas cancer center and his wife, Dr. Nancy Nicholson, reported that they discovered mycoplasma in their blood and the blood of their daughter, who was suffering from Gulf War syndrome. Gulf War syndrome is a name used to describe a group of symptoms displayed by people exposed to chemical weapons during the first Gulf war. These symptoms include memory loss, fatigue and diarrhea.
Other Conditions
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Mycoplasma fermentans has also been connected to a number of other disorders, especially respiratory conditions in HIV patients. There may also be a connection between mycoplasma fermentans and bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease.
Controversy
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Despite some scientific testing, the exact nature of mycoplasma fermentans and the effects it may have are not yet completely clear. Its involvement in AIDS appears to be well-supported, but other claims as to its effects have yet to be definitively confirmed or dismissed.
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References
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