Infectious disease

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Mycoplasma infection is a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae that colonizes the hair cells of the upper and lower respiratory tract, causing atypical pneumonia. The transmission of the disease is through close and prolonged contact with discharge particles from the nose and throat of infected people, especially when coughing or sneezing. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, bronchitis, tiredness, and sore throat and headache, and it is very common leading to pneumonia, usually mild. The infection can become complicated by ear infections, hemolytic anemia, or skin rashes. The treatment used for this disease are antibiotics and as a prevention it is recommended to cover your face when coughing or sneezing. The diagnosis of Mycoplasma infection is made by complete blood count, blood tests for antibody detection, bronchoscopy, tomography, arterial blood gases, lung biopsy, sputum culture or PCR.

Mycoplasma infection is endemic throughout the world and epidemic outbreaks occur periodically. Prevalence varies by age and the annual infection rate varies from country to country. Infection occurs throughout the year, although it is more common in late summer and fall. Anyone can get the disease, generally affecting people under 40 years of age. People who live or work in crowded areas have a higher chance of getting this condition. The elderly and people with a weakened immune system may have more severe cases.