From the Research
Introduction to Mycoplasma Pneumonia
Mycoplasma pneumonia is a type of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It is known to cause mild to moderate severity pneumonia in adults [ 1 ].
Symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia
The symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumonia include:
- Fever
- Stimulatory dry cough
- Fatigue
- Dyspnea
- Sputum production
- Pleuritic chest pain These symptoms can vary in severity and may resolve within two weeks in most patients [ 1 ]. However, some patients may experience prolonged symptoms, lasting up to 42 days [ 1 ].
Clinical Manifestations
The major clinical manifestations of M. pneumoniae pneumonia are fever and stimulatory dry cough [ 2 ]. Other symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and wheezing sounds, may also be present [ 3 ].
Treatment and Management
Macrolide antibiotics are the treatment of choice for Mycoplasma pneumonia [ 2 ]. The dosage and duration of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment. In general, treatment with macrolides, such as azithromycin or clarithromycin, is recommended for 7-14 days.
Complications and Differentials
Delayed treatment of Mycoplasma pneumonia can lead to complications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney injury [ 4 ]. It is essential to consider Mycoplasma pneumonia in high-risk groups, such as children and older adults, to prevent severe complications. Differential diagnoses for Mycoplasma pneumonia include other types of pneumonia, such as bacterial or viral pneumonia, and other respiratory infections.
Caveats
Mycoplasma pneumonia can be co-detected with other pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, which can affect the clinical severity of the infection [ 3 ]. Factors associated with co-infections include being male, being under 6 years old, and having a history of respiratory infection within 3 months [ 3 ].