Is Mycoplasma pneumoniae contagious?

Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Mycoplasma pneumoniae is infectious. In fact, we need to understand what Mycoplasma pneumoniae is: it is a relatively small microorganism that can live independently, positioned between bacteria and viruses. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is spread through the respiratory tract—normal people can become infected by inhaling secretions expelled through coughing, sneezing, laughing, or talking loudly by someone who has Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Transmission mainly occurs via the respiratory route. Clinically, it is common to find sequential or simultaneous occurrences of Mycoplasma pneumoniae among inhabitants of a dormitory or members of a household. Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is widespread globally, and most cases are sporadic, with regional outbreaks happening approximately every three to six years. These outbreaks can last for a long time, sometimes over a year.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia?

This indicates a manifestation of pneumonia, which is associated with mycoplasma infection, one type of pathogen that causes pneumonia. Clinically, there are many pathogens that can cause pneumonia such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, mycoplasma, and tuberculosis bacteria. Mycoplasma pneumonia refers to the disease caused by this type of infection, and treatment generally involves the use of macrolide antibiotics, either orally or intravenously, to reduce inflammation. Additionally, body temperature should be measured frequently and hydration maintained. For patients with high fever and thickened sputum, timely selection of antibiotics is necessary. Supportive care should also be provided to prevent complications like febrile seizures. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

In the initial stages of the disease, symptoms such as fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, and varying degrees of fever may occur. Two to three days later, significant respiratory symptoms appear, including paroxysmal, irritating coughs with a small amount of phlegm, sometimes purulent or blood-streaked. The fever persists for two to three weeks before subsiding, but the cough may continue for a while even after the fever has dissipated, often accompanied by substernal pain. Appropriate diagnostic tests should be conducted for confirmation.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is Mycoplasma pneumoniae stubborn?

After Mycoplasma pneumoniae infects the human body, it often causes acute bronchitis and pneumonia, with symptoms such as fever and cough. Then, is Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection stubborn, and is it easy to treat? Generally speaking, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is self-limiting, meaning it can resolve on its own even without medication. The natural course of the disease may last 3 to 4 weeks, and some patients may experience a longer duration. However, if treated with sensitive antibiotics, the duration of the disease may shorten to about 2 to 3 weeks. Therefore, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is not considered a particularly stubborn disease and is relatively easy to treat.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae afraid of?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a relatively special microorganism, situated between bacteria and viruses. It is smaller than bacteria but larger than viruses. This type of mycoplasma can grow within bacterial cells through a filter. In such cases, clinically, we generally use specific medications to treat Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Typically, for respiratory infections caused by mycoplasma, we use macrolides or quinolones; for urinary tract infections, quinolones are usually the preferred treatment. Therefore, the medication choice should be based on the location of the infection. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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How long should one take Azithromycin for Mycoplasma pneumonia?

After Mycoplasma pneumoniae infects the human body, it often causes acute bronchitis and pneumonia, with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, cough, and fatigue. In this case, using azithromycin for treatment, the general course of treatment is two to three weeks, after which most patients can recover. Additionally, antipyretic and cough suppressant medications can also be used to alleviate symptoms and reduce the patient's discomfort.