Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria are the culprits behind respiratory tract infections, impacting areas from your throat to your lungs. These infections are characterized by their ability to inflame and irritate the respiratory system’s lining.
Increased Cases in 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a rise in M. pneumoniae infections in 2024, particularly among children. This uptick highlights the ongoing relevance of understanding and diagnosing this condition effectively.
Learn more about the increase
Types of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections
Generally, M. pneumoniae infections are not severe.
- Tracheobronchitis (Chest Cold): The most frequently occurring type, often resembling a common cold.
- Pneumonia (Lung Infection): A less common but more serious form, affecting the lungs directly.
Mycoplasma Pneumonia in Context
When pneumonia necessitates hospitalization, M. pneumoniae is a significant bacterial cause. It’s the leading bacterial cause of pneumonia in children and the second most common in adults in the U.S., underscoring its prevalence.
Recognizing Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of M. pneumoniae infection can emerge gradually, typically within 1 to 4 weeks after exposure, and may persist for several weeks. Notably, some individuals infected with M. pneumoniae might not exhibit any symptoms at all. The symptoms experienced often depend on the specific type of infection.
Symptoms of Chest Cold
Common indicators of tracheobronchitis include:
- Fatigue and general malaise
- Fever
- Headache
- A cough that develops and worsens gradually
- Sore throat
Symptoms in Young Children
Children under 5 years old may present with different symptoms compared to older children and adults:
- Diarrhea
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Vomiting
- Watery eyes
- Wheezing
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Pneumonia due to M. pneumoniae can sometimes be misleading. Individuals might appear to be in better condition than expected, given they have a lung infection. This mild presentation is why it’s often referred to as “walking pneumonia.”
Common pneumonia symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Shortness of breath
Potential Complications of Mycoplasma Pneumonia
While complications are not typical, serious issues requiring hospitalization can arise from M. pneumoniae infections.
These infections can trigger or exacerbate conditions such as:
- Asthma exacerbations or new-onset asthma
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Hemolytic anemia (reduced red blood cell count)
- Renal dysfunction (kidney issues)
- Severe pneumonia
- Skin disorders like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM)
When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s crucial to seek medical advice if you or your child experience persistent or worsening symptoms of a M. pneumoniae infection, especially wheezing, particularly if there are risk factors for severe disease.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if breathing difficulties occur.
How Mycoplasma Pneumonia Spreads
M. pneumoniae spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Susceptibility to infection can vary among individuals.
Further Reading: Causes, Spread, and Risk Factors
Prevention Strategies
Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, are effective measures to prevent the spread of M. pneumoniae.
Further Reading: How to Prevent Spread
Mycoplasma Pneumonia Diagnosis: Tests and Procedures
Chest X-ray is a common diagnostic tool to check for pneumonia, including cases potentially caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Unlike some respiratory infections, there isn’t a rapid diagnostic test for M. pneumoniae. Diagnosis often relies on clinical evaluation by healthcare providers, who assess symptoms and conduct physical examinations. A chest X-ray might be ordered to confirm pneumonia.
Specific testing for M. pneumoniae is not routinely performed. However, if deemed necessary, healthcare providers can collect specimens for laboratory analysis. Common specimen types include:
- Nasal or throat swab: The most frequently used method for sample collection.
- Blood sample: Less commonly used for M. pneumoniae diagnosis.
Treatment and Recovery Approaches
Most mild M. pneumoniae infections resolve naturally without specific medical intervention.
Symptom Management
Over-the-counter medications can be recommended by healthcare providers or pharmacists to alleviate symptoms and improve comfort during recovery.
Antibiotics are effective in treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, but antibiotic resistance is a concern.
For pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae, antibiotics are the primary treatment. Several types of antibiotics are effective. However, antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, with some M. pneumoniae strains showing resistance to certain antibiotics. The CDC provides resources on antibiotic use and resistance.
Further Reading: Antibiotic Prescribing and Use
Resources for Further Information
Fact sheet: Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection
