Ureaplasma spp.

Ureaplasma can be found in the rumen, as well as the reproductive tract. When present in the semen of bulls, it can lead to poor fertility and embryo loss. Photo courtesy: Department of Animal Science, University of Wisconsin

​Ureaplasma spp. are commonly found in both humans and many agricultural livestock species, including cattle, chickens, and sheep. However, human Ureaplasma are distinct from those found in livestock species. Photo credit: Tennessee State Fair

​Ureaplasma are members of the class Mollicutes, which also include Mycoplasma. Ureasplama are often called Mycoplasma, though they are distinct genera. Photo courtesy: Creative Diagnostics

​Although frequently found in the rumen, Ureaplasma spp. do not typically affect the rumen environment. Image Credit: Capoccia, R., Greub, G. and Baud, D. Current opinion in infectious diseases, 2013.