The International Research Programme on Comparative Mycoplasmology (IRPCM) is a permanent standing committee of the International Organization for Mycoplasmology. Its objective as defined in the Constitution is to advance and disseminate knowledge on all aspects of mycoplasmas (members of the taxonomic class Mollicutes). In furtherance of this objective, the program shall aim to encourage individual and collaborative studies, including the effective exchange of scientific information, to reach this goal. Specifically, this will include:

• Developing a more complete understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of mycoplasmas, including those features that may be unique in the prokaryotic world to mycoplasmas
• Elucidation of the diversity of mycoplasmas
• Defining virulence factors of mycoplasmas pathogenic to humans, domestic and wild animals, and plants
• Identifying more effective means of diagnosis, prevention, and control of mycoplasma infections and disease

Also, the Programme maintains a close relationship with the Subcommittee on the Taxonomy of Mollicutes, International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes (ICSP) 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 directly.