What Does Mycoplasma Genitalium Look Like?

Mycoplasma genitalium cannot be seen with the naked eye as it is one of the smallest known bacteria. This microscopic pathogen measures only 0.1-0.3 micrometers in diameter, making it roughly 10 times smaller than typical bacteria like E. coli. Under electron microscopy, M. genitalium appears as tiny, pleomorphic (variable-shaped) organisms that lack a rigid cell wall, giving them a flexible, balloon-like appearance. The bacteria typically appear spherical or flask-shaped with a distinctive tapered end that helps them attach to host cells. Because M. genitalium is microscopic and an infection cannot be identified reliably by appearance or symptoms alone, diagnosis requires a laboratory nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), such as PCR.