The International Research Programme on Comparative Mycoplasmology (IRPCM) is a permanent standing committee of the International Organization for Mycoplasmology (IOM). Its objective as defined in the Constitution is to advance and disseminate knowledge on all aspects of mycoplasmas, a term that refers to all members of the class Mollicutes. Notable members of these bacteria include those in the genera Mycoplasma, Spiroplasma, and 'Candidatus Phytoplasma'. These organisms include many species that are important pathogens of human, domestic animals, and crops.

In furtherance of the objective, the IRPCM is organized into individual teams with specific focus. Through team activities, we aim to promote individual and collaborative studies, facilitate effective exchange of scientific information, and collaborate with other relevant organizations. The goals of IRPCM teams include these aspects of Mycoplasmology:

• Elucidating the biological diversity, include the description of novel taxa and improvement of taxonomy
• Facilitating omics studies for global views of evolution, gene content and expression regulation, and the link to pathogenesis
• Developing a more complete understanding of the cellular and molecular biology
• Defining the virulence factors and mechanisms
• Identifying more effective means of diagnosis, prevention, and control of mycoplasma-associated diseases

Additionally, the IRPCM maintains a close relationship with the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes (ICSP) Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Mollicutes to facilitate scientific communication among the stakeholders.

• If you have any suggestion for IRPCM, please contact the Chair: Chih-Horng Kuo
• If you would like to join any of the IRPCM teams, please contact the Team Leaders