Resumo

Bacteria family Mycoplasmataceae are among the main causes of reproductive problems in cattle. Among them stands out Ureaplasma diversum associated with tissue lesions in the respiratory tract mucosa and urogenital mainly with a 23 to 41% of infections in cattle with reproductive tract infections. This mycoplasma has as its main characteristic the ability to hydrolyze urea as part of their metabolism, producing molecules such as ammonia, toxic to the host tissue. The pathogenicity of U. diversum is little known and studies in the area are rare. It was first isolated in 1967 from apparently healthy cows. However, this organism has often been linked to outbreaks of vulvovaginitis, abortion, infertility, pneumonia, embryo implantation and sperm transport. Coexisting with other mycoplasma or virus infection can exacerbate and worsen pathological. Although this bacterium is associated with reproductive failure in animals, little is known about the mechanism of pathogenicity of these organisms. The major virulence factor described include ureaplasmal urease activity phospholipid A and C, the hydrogen peroxide production and adherence to host cells. It was observed that the U. diversum is able to produce perturbations in the production of prostaglandins that are necessary for the maintenance of pregnancy. Due to the action of phospholipases, there is the increasing levels of this hormone on the endometrium. They cause increased contractions and luteolysis are among the main explanations for the causes of miscarriage. Recently, the study has been demonstrated the presence of a polysaccharide capsule in U. diversum and correlated as one of the virulence factors of this kind. Due to the lack of effective therapies and vaccines by Mycoplasma diseases remain a significant public health problem, since the antibiotics used has no action on these microorganisms. It has generating large socioeconomic consequences worldwide, with significant losses to livestock. Recent outbreaks and epidemiological studies predict that the incidence of human and animal diseases caused by mycoplasma may increase, which indicates the urgent need to develop new approaches to prevention and therapy.