A mycoplasma is a non-motile, plemorphic gram-negative bacterium that lacks a distinct wall and is parasitic in nature, causing diseases in mammals. It carries the smallest known genome of any cellular life and is capable of self-replication on laboratory media. Mycoplasmas, known to be surface parasites, adhere to the mucous surfaces of the respiratory and urogenital tracts of humans. The bacterium, mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a well-established cause of mycoplasma pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin is a macrolide drug, an antibiotic produced by various strains of Streptomyces, which fights against the harmful bacteria such as mycoplasma pneumoniae in the body. Erythromycin stops the growth of bacteria by blocking the translocation of peptidyl-transfer RNA from ribosomes during protein synthesis and by inhibiting those protein secretions that allow bacterial cells to survive. Erythromycin also prevents the recurrences of acute rheumatic fever and bacterial endocarditis---the inflammation of the lining of the heart and its valves, according to MedlinePlus.
Azithromycin
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic---a clinically important polyketide natural product---that cures the infections caused by bacteria such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, throat infections and infections of the ears, lungs, skin and throat, according to MedlinePlus. It is very active against agents causing atypical pneumonia, such as mycoplasma pneumoniae. This medication also helps in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, a contagious inflammation of the genital mucous membrane. But, azithromycin cannot cure viral infections such as colds and flu. Azithromycin comes in both pills and oral suspensions or liquids to be administered by the mouth, reports MedlinePlus.
Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin also belongs to the family of drugs called macrolides. It stops the growth of bacteria by increasing the rate of dissociation of peptidyl-transfer RNA from ribosomes; thereby, RNA-dependent protein synthesis is rapidly inhibited, states Drugs.com. Clarithromycin is effective against a wide variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory, lungs, skin, ears and throat infections. This drug also helps treat certain types of stomach ulcers when used in combination with anti-ulcer medications, explains MedlinePlus.
