How to test for Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

Updated on September 28, 2024

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In clinical settings, if a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is suspected, several tests are required. Common tests include cold agglutinin test, Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies and antigens, and various molecular biology techniques to detect the infection. Additionally, routine blood tests and lung imaging can be performed. If the results are positive, combined with clinical symptoms, it can generally be determined as a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

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Written by Li Tao

Pulmonology

1min 12sec

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Symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia

Pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, known as Mycoplasma pneumonia, refers to acute inflammation of the respiratory tract and lungs caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It is usually accompanied by pharyngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. This type of pneumonia accounts for one third of non-infectious pneumonia cases and 10% of pneumonia cases caused by various reasons. Clinically, after infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the symptoms usually appear gradually with a typical incubation period of two to three weeks. Some patients primarily experience fatigue, sore throat, headache, cough, and fever. Others may suffer from diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and ear pain. The cough is generally paroxysmal and choking, with little sputum, and the fever can last two to three weeks. Some people may show extrapulmonary manifestations such as dermatitis. In children, complications such as periostitis or otitis media may occur, and there can be swelling of the cervical lymph nodes.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu

Pulmonology

1min 6sec

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Is Mycoplasma pneumoniae contagious?

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

58sec

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Mycoplasma pneumoniae elevated causes

Hospital tests show elevated levels of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, indicating an infection with this pathogen in the body. This can cause symptoms such as sore throat, cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, although symptoms may not be typical in some patients. Regardless of the presence of these symptoms, once a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is confirmed, it is necessary to choose sensitive antimicrobial drugs to control the infection. Typically, macrolide antibiotics such as Roxithromycin, Azithromycin, or Clarithromycin can be selected. Generally, one of these is chosen and used over a course of treatment. A re-examination should be conducted seven to ten days later. During the treatment period, avoid consuming spicy foods, seafood, and fried or pickled foods. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

45sec

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Is severe Mycoplasma pneumonia strongly positive?

Is Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM strong, serious? It should be decided based on individual constitution and the duration of illness. It is a common clinical pathogen and generally not considered a severe disease. With timely and appropriate treatment, it generally takes about one to two weeks to fully recover to normal. Therefore, after being diagnosed, it is important to have a correct understanding, avoid excessive mental and psychological stress, follow the treatment course and doctor's advice, choose appropriate and sensitive antibacterial drugs to eliminate the pathogen, and re-examine one week after stopping the medication to determine if the disease has fully recovered.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu

Pulmonology

1min 26sec

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How is Mycoplasma pneumonia treated?

The primary treatment method for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the use of antimicrobial drugs targeting Mycoplasma pneumoniae. As Mycoplasma is quite unique, being neither bacteria nor virus but a small microorganism that lies between the two, many antibiotics are ineffective against it. Therefore, the choice of antimicrobial drugs is very important in treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Currently, the most commonly used are three major classes, the first being macrolides, such as erythromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin, etc. However, the resistance rate of Mycoplasma to macrolide drugs is relatively high, reaching over forty percent in some regions. Another commonly used class is fluoroquinolones, such as levofloxacin and moxifloxacin, but these drugs can only be used in adults over eighteen years of age. Another option is the tetracycline class, with commonly used drugs including doxycycline. Besides antimicrobial treatment, patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae often experience severe coughing and phlegm; at this time, we may selectively use some antitussive drugs. Specific drug treatments should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.