Complete Genomic Sequencing and C. Analysis of 14 Serovars of Ureaplasma Urealyticum & Ureaplasma Parvum as a Means to Assess the Roles of These Emerging Pathogens in Human Disease & Their Differential Pathogenicity

Ureaplasma urealyticum is part of the normal flora of the human urogenital tract. This organism, however, can cause urethritis and has been associated with spontaneous abortion, premature birth, meningitis, and a severe respiratory disease of premature infants. U. urealyticum strains exhibit antigenic heterogeneity. Isolates obtained from human urogenital tract have been classified into 14 recognized serovars which show no serological cross-reactivity with ureaplasmas from other hosts and uniquely express human immuoglobulin A1 protease activity. U. urealyticum formerly consisted of 2 biovars. Biovar 1, which includes serovars 1, 3, 6, and 14, has been designated U. parvum, while biovar 2 (serovars 2, 4, 5, and 7-13) has been designated U. urealyticum.