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 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 Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
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How to treat cough caused by mycoplasma infection?

Mycoplasma infection cough is mainly characterized by irritating dry cough with generally little phlegm, and it can be accompanied by fever, headache, and general discomfort. The treatment for mycoplasma infection cough involves symptomatic cough suppression and the use of antibiotics that are effective against mycoplasma. For cough treatment, if there is significant wheezing, theophylline or salbutamol can be used. Additionally, if there is a concurrent infection with increased sputum production, ambroxol can be used for expectoration, along with a macrolide antibiotic sensitive to mycoplasma, such as erythromycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin, for antibacterial treatment.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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How is mycoplasma infection treated?

After Mycoplasma infects the human body, it often causes mycoplasma pneumonia, with symptoms such as fever and cough. Most cases of mycoplasma pneumonia infection are self-limiting, meaning many patients can recover without medication. If medication is used, macrolides or fluoroquinolones are typically chosen, with a treatment duration of about two to three weeks. Additionally, symptomatic treatment drugs can be used, such as antipyretic analgesics for fever and cough suppressants for cough.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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What are the routes of Mycoplasma infection?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae primarily infects healthy individuals through respiratory transmission. Healthy people often get infected by inhaling nasal and oral secretions expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. After infection, it often causes pharyngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia, with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, headache, cough, and loss of appetite. Once infected, it is important to rest, follow the doctor's medication treatment to control symptoms, shorten the course of treatment, and recover as soon as possible.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is mycoplasma infection contagious?

After Mycoplasma infects the human body, it can cause pneumonia, mycoplasmal pneumonia, and infections of the urogenital system. Is Mycoplasma infection contagious? Yes, it is contagious. For instance, pneumonia often spreads via the respiratory tract. Patients spread bacteria-laden droplets into the air by coughing or sneezing, which are then inhaled by healthy individuals. Infections of the urogenital system are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, that is, through sexual intercourse. Moreover, if a woman has a urogenital system infection, it can even be transmitted to the newborn during childbirth.