– Bacterial pathogen causing respiratory tract infections including pneumonia
– Common cause of atypical or “walking” pneumonia

– Bacterial pathogen

– Mycoplasma pneumoniae belongs to the Mollicutes class

– No, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a cell wall-deficient bacterium

– Bacterial pathogen from Mollicutes class
– Cell wall-deficient bacterium
– Infects respiratory tract

– Crowded environments (e.g., schools, military barracks)
– Close contact with infected individuals
– Common in young adults and adolescents

– Infects respiratory tract
– Damages bronchial tubes and alveoli epithelial cells
– Induces inflammation
– Leads to pneumonia symptoms

– Atypical or “walking” pneumonia

– Bacterial pathogen from the Mollicutes class

– Cell wall-deficient bacterium

– Viral pneumonia
– Other bacterial pneumonias
– Fungal infections

– Global occurrence including the UK
– More common in late summer and early autumn
– Outbreaks in crowded settings like schools or residential institutions

– Persistent cough: Often dry in nature
– Sore throat
– Headache
– Fatigue and malaise
– Low-grade fever
– Chest discomfort

– Symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae infection are generally less severe compared to typical bacterial pneumonia

– Yes, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae can cause atypical pneumonia and the symptoms are generally less severe compared to typical bacterial pneumonia

– Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing: Detects Mycoplasma pneumoniae in respiratory specimens confirming active infection
– Serological tests: Detect antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae aiding in diagnosing past or current infections
– Chest X-rays: Assess lung involvement and pneumonia severity

– PCR testing detects Mycoplasma pneumoniae in respiratory specimens confirming active infection

– Serological tests detect antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae aiding in diagnosing past or current infections

– Chest X-rays assess lung involvement and pneumonia severity in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

– Antibiotics: Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin) or tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline)
– Choice based on severity and individual factors
– Supportive care: Rest, hydration, symptom relief

– Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin) or tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline)

– The choice is based on severity and individual factors

– Supportive care includes rest, hydration, and symptom relief

– Generally good prognosis
– Most recover without complications
– Complications possible in severe or untreated cases:
○ Respiratory failure
○ Pleural effusion
○ Encephalitis

– Respiratory failure
– Pleural effusion
– Bronchitis
– Asthma exacerbation
– Encephalitis
– Myocarditis
– Rare complications: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hemolytic anemia

– Hemolytic anemia
– Thrombocytopenia

– Erythema multiforme
– Erythema nodosum

– Meningoencephalitis
– Guillain-Barre syndrome

– Bullous myringitis: Painful vesicles on the tympanic membrane

– Hepatitis
– Pancreatitis

– Acute glomerulonephritis