Mycoplasma incognitus acts as a parasite, and gains most of its nutrients from its host because it has a very small genome, consisting of only the genes essential for life.

There have been frequent unsuccessful attempts at isolating a culture of M. incognitus because it is more fastidious in cultivation requirements than other mycoplasmas.

This mycoplasma acts by entering into the individual cells of the body where it can lie dormant for 10, 20, or 30 years.

If the host experiences a severe injury or a vaccination isn't successful, M. incognitus can become triggered and start invading and destroying certain cells.

M. incognitus has the ability to alter red blood cells so that they swell and therefore cannot be compressed and passed through the capillaries.