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 Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is mycoplasma infection easy to cure?

After Mycoplasma infects the human body, it often causes mycoplasma pneumonia. Once diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumonia, many patients worry about the possibility of not being cured. So, is mycoplasma infection easy to cure? Generally speaking, mycoplasma infection is self-limiting, meaning that most patients can recover without medication. Therefore, there is no need to worry too much after a mycoplasma infection. Moreover, if treated with sensitive antibiotics, the duration of the mycoplasma infection will be significantly shortened.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How is mycoplasma infection detected?

Mycoplasma belongs to a type of pathogen. If a person is infected with this mycoplasma, clinical detection methods typically involve blood tests, which can confirm the presence of this pathogen in the body. Culture of secretions can also detect this pathogen. Once infection is confirmed, clinically, macrolide antibiotics are chosen for anti-inflammatory treatment. Patients with mild symptoms can take azithromycin or clarithromycin orally. If the disease duration is prolonged and oral medication is not effectively alleviating symptoms, intravenous infusions of erythromycin or azithromycin can be administered for anti-inflammatory treatment. After one course of treatment, timely follow-up is necessary to assess the recovery progress of the disease. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific circumstances.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Does a mycoplasma infection cause a contagious cough?

Cough symptoms caused by mycoplasma infection are indeed contagious. They can be transmitted through breathing, coughing, and sneezing as these actions release mycoplasma pathogens into the air. These pathogens can then spread to others via airborne droplets. Therefore, it is recommended to isolate the affected individual, wear masks for protection, and, upon diagnosis, promptly choose to administer macrolide antibiotics orally or intravenously to eliminate the mycoplasma pathogens. Additionally, cough suppressants should be used according to the nature of the cough for symptomatic treatment. It is also advised to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, measure body temperature twice daily, avoid spicy and overly greasy foods, and ensure sufficient quality sleep. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor, according to the specific situation.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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What are the symptoms of mycoplasma infection?

Mycoplasma infection is relatively common in clinical settings. After infecting the lungs, mycoplasma often causes pneumonia and mycoplasma pneumonia. What symptoms appear? Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle pain. Some patients may also experience abdominal discomfort, such as diarrhea. If an X-ray is taken, it is possible to see patchy shadows of varying sizes in the lungs. After a mycoplasma infection, in most cases, it can improve even without medication. However, medication can shorten the course of the disease, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the patient's discomfort. Therefore, in general, medical treatment is advocated.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Does mycoplasma infection cause coughing?

In clinical practice, Mycoplasma infection is relatively common. After Mycoplasma pneumoniae infects the human body, it often causes bronchitis and pneumonia. Common symptoms include fever and cough. Therefore, Mycoplasma infection does cause coughing, and the cough symptoms are often quite severe, presenting as an irritating cough. The cough often persists for a relatively long time, possibly lasting three to four weeks. Therefore, coughing does occur with Mycoplasma infection, and it is important to actively cooperate with the doctor in medication treatment to control the cough symptoms.