Mycoplasma pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae).
See also:
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsMycoplasma pneumonia is a type of atypical pneumonia. It is caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia usually affects people younger than 40. Various studies suggest that it makes up 15-50% of all pneumonia cases in adults and an even more in school-aged children.
People at highest risk for mycoplasma pneumonia include those living or working in crowded areas such as schools and homeless shelters, although many people who contract mycoplasma pneumonia have no identifiable risk factor.
SymptomsThe symptoms are generally mild and appear over a period of 1 to 3 weeks. They may become more severe in some people.
Common symptoms include the following:
Less frequently seen symptoms include:
Persons with suspected pneumonia should have a complete medical evaluation, including a thorough physical exam and a chest x-ray -- especially since the physical exam may not always distinguish pneumonia from acute bronchitis or other respiratory infections.
Depending on the severity of illness, additional studies may be done, include:
A urine test or a throat swab may also be done.
TreatmentAntibiotics may be prescribed if symptoms are severe. Home care includes rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating foods high in protein.
Expectations (prognosis)Most people recover completely even without antibiotics, although antibiotics may speed recovery. In untreated adults, cough and weakness can persist for up to a month.
ComplicationsCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. While there are numerous causes for these symptoms, you will need to be checked for pneumonia.
Also, call if you have been diagnosed with this type of pneumonia and your symptoms become worse.
PreventionThere is no known prevention for atypical pneumonia. However, avoiding those with the infection can help reduce your risk. Infants, and persons in poor health, especially those with weakened immune systems due to HIV, organ transplants, or other conditions, should avoid contact with people with mycoplasma pneumonia.
ReferencesLimper AH. Overview of Pneumonia. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 97.
Mandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Mar 1;44 Suppl 2:S27-72.
Mycoplasma pneumonia is an infection of the lungs from the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae).
See also:
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsMycoplasma pneumonia is a type of atypical pneumonia. It is caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia usually affects people younger than 40. Various studies suggest that it makes up 15 - 50% of all pneumonia cases in adults and even more in school-aged children.
People at highest risk for mycoplasma pneumonia include those living or working in crowded areas such as schools and homeless shelters, although many people who contract mycoplasma pneumonia have no identifiable risk factor.
SymptomsThe symptoms are generally mild and appear over a period of 1 to 3 weeks. They may become more severe in some people.
Common symptoms include the following:
Less common symptoms include:
Persons with suspected pneumonia should have a complete medical evaluation, including a thorough physical exam and a chest x-ray -- especially because the physical exam may not always be able to tell pneumonia apart from acute bronchitis or other respiratory infections.
Depending on the severity of illness, other tests may be done, including:
A urine test or a throat swab may also be done.
TreatmentAntibiotics that work against Mycoplasma include macrolides, quinolones, and tetracyclines. You can take these steps at home:
Most people recover completely even without antibiotics, although antibiotics may speed recovery. In untreated adults, cough and weakness can persist for up to a month.
ComplicationsCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. While there are numerous causes for these symptoms, you will need to be checked for pneumonia.
Also, call if you have been diagnosed with this type of pneumonia and your symptoms become worse.
PreventionThere is no known way to prevent atypical pneumonia. However, avoiding people who have the infection can help reduce your risk.
Infants, and persons in poor health, especially those with weakened immune systems due to HIV, organ transplants, or other conditions should avoid contact with people who have mycoplasma pneumonia.
ReferencesBaum SG. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and atypical pneumonia. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 184.
Mandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis. 2007;44:S27-S72.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/15/2010
Denis Hadijiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
walking pneumonia
Mycoplasma pneumonia has a part that sounds like "plaza."
It is the cause of what is often referred to as "walking" pneumonia
A mycoplasma infection, also known as walking pneumonia, is communicable. It can be spread to other people through coughing, sneezing, and spitting.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
What you are probably intending to ask is about mycoplasma. It is a common bacteria that causes infection of the lungs. This is also called mycoplasma pneumonia
You get pneumonia ony when you are infected by bacteria of the species Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Mycoplasma (Gram +), Hemophilus (Gram -), Klebsiella (Gram -), Legionella (Gram -) among many that cause pneumonia. Do have another in mind?
1Lack a cell wall 2) Sterols in cell membrane provide strength & rigidity. 3) Smallest forms of life with minimum sized genome. 4) Colonies = "fried egg" appearance 5) Mycoplasma pneumoniae - atypical pneumonia or "walking pneumonia". (p. 590)
yes.
Pneumonia, inflammation and consolidation of the lung tissue as a result of infection, inhalation of foreign particles, or irradiation. Many organisms, including viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia, but the most common causes are bacteria, in particular species of Streptococcus and Mycoplasma
013 - WebMD cuts through the hype to reveal the best kept secrets for healthy hair. ... Pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniaeMycoplasma ... from the stomach, or vomit into the lungs (aspiration pneumonia). ... A healthy person's nose and throat often contain bacteria or viruses that cause pneumonia.