Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that causes mild respiratory infections, often referred to as "walking pneumonia." Unlike typical pneumonia, infections from this bacterium usually don't require hospitalization.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae attacks the respiratory tract, causing inflammation in the lungs. It doesn't have a cell wall, making it resistant to many common antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis. Instead, doctors treat it with macrolides, tetracyclines, or fluoroquinolones.
The bacterium has several strains, but they all belong to the same species. Strains may vary in virulence, but no distinct subtypes cause different symptoms or severity.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is found worldwide and primarily affects people under 40. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Outbreaks often occur in crowded settings like schools or military barracks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes about 20% of pneumonia cases in school-aged children and younger adults. It accounts for roughly 10% of community-acquired pneumonias.
Many people confuse Mycoplasma pneumoniae with other respiratory infections like the flu or common cold. Unlike these viral infections, mycoplasma infections are bacterial and can be treated with specific antibiotics.
Another misconception is that mycoplasma infections always cause severe illness. In reality, most cases are mild, with symptoms resembling a bad cold or bronchitis.
A 15-year-old student develops a persistent cough, fatigue, and low-grade fever. The symptoms last for over two weeks, and the student remains active despite feeling unwell. A doctor diagnoses walking pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae and prescribes azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic.
After completing the course of antibiotics, the student's symptoms gradually improve over the next week. The infection clears up without complications, demonstrating the typically mild nature of mycoplasma infections.
For more details on what causes mycoplasma infections, see the causes of mycoplasma pneumoniae.