What is mycoplasma infection?

Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 05, 2024
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What is Mycoplasma Infection? Mycoplasma infection is a contagious disease caused by the infection of the human body by mycoplasma. Currently, the mycoplasmas known to be pathogenic to humans include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma hominis. Clinically, Mycoplasma pneumoniae primarily causes mycoplasmal pneumonia, which is an acute upper respiratory tract infection. Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis can cause infections in the reproductive and urinary systems. Generally, the incubation period for mycoplasma infections is quite long, ranging from 2 to 3 weeks. Mycoplasmal pneumonia is more common in the winter. Genital mycoplasma infections are mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Newborns can become infected during childbirth through the mother's reproductive tract. In adults, the site of infection is the urethral mucosa in males and the cervix in females.

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Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
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What is mycoplasma infection?

What is Mycoplasma Infection? Mycoplasma infection is a contagious disease caused by the infection of the human body by mycoplasma. Currently, the mycoplasmas known to be pathogenic to humans include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma hominis. Clinically, Mycoplasma pneumoniae primarily causes mycoplasmal pneumonia, which is an acute upper respiratory tract infection. Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis can cause infections in the reproductive and urinary systems. Generally, the incubation period for mycoplasma infections is quite long, ranging from 2 to 3 weeks. Mycoplasmal pneumonia is more common in the winter. Genital mycoplasma infections are mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Newborns can become infected during childbirth through the mother's reproductive tract. In adults, the site of infection is the urethral mucosa in males and the cervix in females.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Mycoplasma infection cough symptoms

After a mycoplasma infection in the human respiratory system, it can cause diseases such as pharyngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Coughing is a relatively obvious symptom after becoming ill. Under natural conditions, the coughing symptoms of pneumonia and mycoplasma pneumonia may continue for three to four weeks before gradually easing. However, if treated with medication, such as using macrolides or fluoroquinolones, the cough symptoms can generally be controlled within two to three weeks. Therefore, it is generally best to treat mycoplasma infections with medications, as this can shorten the duration of the illness, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the suffering of the patient. (Specific medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is a weakly positive mycoplasma infection serious?

To determine whether a medical condition is severe, one cannot rely solely on a single test but must consider clinical symptoms and other diagnostic results comprehensively. For instance, Mycoplasma infection can lead to pneumonia, known as Mycoplasma pneumonia. If there is severe fever, especially persistent high fever, the condition is likely more serious. Furthermore, if there are extrapulmonary manifestations, such as dermatitis, pleural effusion, or otitis media, the situation is also relatively severe. Additionally, if lung imaging shows extensive or numerous shadows, it indicates a more serious condition.

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Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
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Characteristics of Fever from Mycoplasma Infection

The characteristics of fever due to mycoplasma infection, which often results from infections of the respiratory and reproductive tracts, typically manifest as mild to moderate fevers. In some infants and young children, due to imperfect temperature regulation, high fevers may occur. Blood tests generally show normal white blood cell counts. Imaging can reveal lung infections, and tests for mycoplasma pneumonia antibodies are positive. The cough commonly associated with mycoplasma infections is usually an irritating, dry cough, with little sputum production.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What medicine is used for mycoplasma infection?

Clinical treatment of mycoplasma infection primarily involves the selection of sensitive antimicrobial drugs to control the infection. A drug sensitivity test can be conducted to aid in drug selection, or one can choose macrolide antibiotics, or other drugs such as gentamicin or josamycin to control the infection. Additionally, symptomatic treatment should be provided. For instance, in cases of mycoplasma pneumonia caused by mycoplasma infection, medications that dilute sputum and relieve bronchial smooth muscle spasms should be used to alleviate symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. Also, temperature should be monitored, increased fluid intake is recommended, and antipyretic drugs or physical cooling methods should be used if fever symptoms are present. (Please use medications under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)