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<b>Background : </b> Mycoplasma pneumoniae is implicated in acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma and is also a factor in the chronicity of asthma. This study was conducted to determine the significance of this association and to estimate the incidence of <i> M.pneumoniae </i> in the airways of asthmatics by isolation of the organism in sputum by culture method. <b> Methods: </b> In our study we have tried to isolate <i> M.pneumoniae </i> in sputum specimen samples by culture technique in one hundred asthmatic patients and fifty non-asthmatics who served as controls. <b> Results : </b> In our study we were able to isolate M.pneumoniae by sputum culture in 18&#x0025; of the asthmatics. Among the culture positive patients, 16&#x0025; had acute exacerbation of asthma. <b> Conclusions</b> : Our study compares favorably with the earlier studies done using serology and PCR in the diagnosis of <i> M.pneumoniae </i> infections in asthma emphasizing the usefulness of sputum cluture as a reliable investigative tool for isolation of <i> M.pneumoniae </i> in asthmatics. It also suggests a role for broader therapeutic implications in treatment of asthma. Lung India 2005; 22 : 50-53