Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes diseases of the respiratory system, sometimes mild, sometimes more severe. It mainly affects young subjects (5–35 years) and less frequently elderly subjects with an incubation period of 1 to 3 weeks.
The most frequent and less serious diseases concern the respiratory system and occur in the form of bronchitis, pharyngitis and colds, especially in immunosuppressed subjects.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause primary atypical pneumonia with significant haematological and neurological complications.
What are the symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia?
The symptoms of the infection depend on the patient’s general health condition. In most cases, the symptomatology is mild or moderate, and manifests in the form of:
- Fever;
- Tonsillitis;
- Shortness of breath, especially after exertion;
- Loss of appetite;
- Muscle pain.
In severe cases, it can cause primary atypical pneumonia.
How is the infection contracted?
The bacterium spreads through the inhalation of droplets of saliva in
suspension, when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can spread quickly in crowded environments.
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae: Practical Strategies for optimal prevention
To prevent transmission, it is important to adopt a few simple precautions:
- Limit contact with people with the infection;
- Wash hands thoroughly;
- Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Diagnosis and Tests
Diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection can be made by assaying the antibodies (IgM or IgG) present in the serum against the infectious agent, or it is possible to identify the pathogen by means of molecular biology tests that involve an amplification of DNA of the bacterium taken by pharyngeal swab (performed three to seven days after the appearance of the first symptoms).
This technique is characterised by high sensitivity and specificity and is currently considered the gold standard for the identification of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Dr Maria Luisa Casella
