Mycoplasma is considered to be the smallest (about 0.2 - 0.3 μm) living microorganism without a cell wall and are bacterium species having a rod shaped structure. There are over 120 mycoplasma species that are discovered to date, among which only 13 species of mycoplasma are isolated from humans and only 4 species are found to be pathogenic to humans.
One of the species identified as Mycoplasma pneumoniae is found to be pathogenic to humans and causes respiratory tract diseases and also cause Pneumonia in humans.
M. pneumoniae infection is most common in juveniles and young adults. It can cause minor chest infection to severe lung infection (Pneumonia) in some cases.
M.pneumoniae infection is observed to spread from one person to another by the droplets released by the infected person when they sneeze or cough and the normal person comes in contact with these droplets or breathe these droplets.
Generally, the infections are mild and only 5-10% of people are observed to acquire Pneumonia. The infection may last from a few days to 3-4 weeks.
M. pneumoniae has adherence proteins that can attach to epithelial membranes, particularly the respiratory tract epithelium. Once attached, M. pneumoniae produces hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, causing injury to epithelial cells and their associated cilia leading to respiratory tract diseases or pneumonia.
In a conversation between MedBound Times with Dr. Yaseen Mohinuddin (Specialist Pulmonologist) at Royal Health Group, UAE he shared the following crucial information linked to M. pneumoniae infection
Natural immunity to M. pneumoniae infections is usually short-lived as evidenced by the frequency of reinfections in the same persons over time, and organisms continue to be shed for variable periods after resolution of clinical illness. This observation indicates a failure of natural immunity to eliminate the organisms, leading to prolonged carriage in some instances.Dr.Yaseen Mohinuddin, Specialist Pulmonologist, Royal Health Group AE, Abu Dhabi, UAE
fever
headache
coughing
sneezing
sore throat
running nose
Above mentioned are the general symptoms that can be observed in the infected person along with these some people may show symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea,difficulty in breathing etc.
Generally M. pneumoniae infection is diagnosed by conducting swab tests i.e. nose and throat swabs or sometimes the physician may go for a blood test or chest X-ray to detect if there is any lung infection(pneumonia).
Treatment of M. pneumoniae includes macrolides, doxycycline, or fluoroquinolones. Azithromycin is the most frequently used antibiotic and is usually prescribed for 5 days (500 mg for the first dose, followed by 250 mg daily for 4 days). Patients receiving doxycycline or fluoroquinolones should be given 7 to 14 days of treatment.1
In some cases of mild infection, the patient can recover at home without any treatment or getting over the counter medicine by consulting with a pharmacist but if the infection persists longer it is recommended to consult with a doctor and have prescribed antibiotics.
Note: This content is purely informational and isn’t medical guidance. It shouldn’t replace professional medical counsel. Always consult your physician regarding treatment risks and benefits.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430780/
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/mycoplasma-pneumoniae.aspx