Can Mycoplasma Infection Survive Outside Of Body?

Posted on Sun, 31 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 31 May 2015 Answered on

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I tested positive for a mycoplasma infection in my urine awhile back and was treated. My question is can this bacteria live outside the body, on your hands for a time period or does it die quick outside the body? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Mycoplasma cannot survive outside the body

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
No, mycoplasma cannot survive outside the body.
Mycoplasma does not have a cell wall and it is dependent on the host for survival.
So it cannot survive outside the body.

I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.Barani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (9 minutes later)

Thanks for the answer.... So to transmit it has to be sexual contact like intercourse of some kind? It can't be transmitted from hands being in contact with gentals?

Answered by Dr. Baranidharan Kuselan (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If you are talking about mycoplasma genitalium, then yes it is transmitted only by sexual contact.

Regards,
Dr.Barani

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj