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, a term that refers to all members of the taxonomic class Mollicutes. Notable members of these bacteria include those in the genera Mycoplasma, Spiroplasma, and 'Candidatus Phytoplasma'. These organisms including many species that are important pathogens to human, domestic animals, and plants.

In furtherance of the objective, the IRPCM aims to facilitate individual and collaborative studies through the promotion of effective exchange of scientific information and other activities by individual teams. The goals of these teams include:

• Elucidating the biological diversity
• 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 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.