Bacteria Genomes - MYCOPLASMA CAPRICOLOM

Mycoplasma capricolum is a member of the class Mollicutes, meaning soft skin. Along with the other members of this class ( Acholeplasma, Anaeroplasma, Asteroleplasma, Spiroplasma, and Ureaplasma) Mycoplasma are characterised by their unusually small genome as well as their complete lack of a bacterial cell wall. Wall-less bacteria are much more difficult to kill because they lack the lipid layer surrounding them.

Mycoplasma capricolum is primarily a pathogen of goats, although it has also been found in sheep and cows. M. capricolum is highly destructive, causing mortality and morbidity. The primary clinical manifestation is severe arthritis (polyarthritis). Mycoplasma capricolum causes acute conditions when administered parenterally or even orally. The organism progresses in the form of septicemia, with severe involvement of the joints and leads to permanent lameness. In young goats it also produces fever.

References:

http://www.isrvma.org/article/59_4_3.htm
http://goatconnection.com/articles/publish/article_145.shtml