Mycoplasma Body Swab Test

Mycoplasma Body Swab Test

Article
Healthy Lungs
Sexual Health
+2
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHJul 15, 2019

What are the other Names for this Test? (Equivalent Terms)

  • Mycoplasma DNA Body Swab Test
  • Mycoplasma PCR Body Swab Test
  • Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Culture Body Swab Test 

What is Mycoplasma Body Swab Test? (Background Information)

  • Mycoplasma is a category of bacteria that exist normally in the body, which may also cause diseases under certain circumstances. They possess several unique properties, including an extremely small size that makes it difficult to identify and control them
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae (or M. pneumoniae) is a species within the mycoplasma genus that causes respiratory illness, known as atypical pneumonia. It is especially prevalent, where people stay/reside within close quarters, such as schools and military facilities
  • M. pneumoniae is responsible for many millions of cases of respiratory illness in the world, each year. These occur periodically, both as single cases and relatively widespread epidemics
  • Mycoplasma also infects other areas of the body, such as the genitals and prostate. These organisms are transmitted through sexual contact and may cause pelvic inflammatory disease and enlarged prostate
  • When infection by M. pneumoniae occurs, as with other infections, levels of immunoglobulins (Igs) increase in blood
  • Immunoglobulins (Igs) are a category of proteins produced by immune cells that aid in bodily defense against outside invaders. They recognize characteristic surface markings (antigens) on a foreign object and bind them away, before any damage is done to the body
  • There are 5 five main types of immunoglobulins; each type, differing in its function and distribution throughout the body. The 5 types are:
    • IgA
    • IgG
    • IgE
    • IgD
    • IgM
  • Immunoglobulins can reside either on the outside of cells, or freely circulate in blood. When circulating, they are also called antibodies (Abs). IgM and IgG in particular increase with M. pneumoniae
  • The Mycoplasma Body Swab is a body swab test to detect infection by M. pneumoniae. The detection methods include the following:
    • PCR Assay for Mycoplasma (DNA Testing): To evaluate a bodily sample for the presence of mycoplasma DNA. This is done using a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test
    • Mycoplasma Culture Testing: To evaluate a bodily swab sample for the presence of mycoplasma cells, by inoculating a specialized medium with the sample and checking for any growth 

What are the Clinical Indications for performing the Mycoplasma Body Swab Test?

Following are the clinical indications for performing a Mycoplasma Body Swab Test:

  • Persistent dry cough
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue
  • Genital discharge 

How is the Specimen Collected for Mycoplasma Body Swab Test?

Following is the specimen collection process for Mycoplasma Body Swab Test:

Sample required: Body Swab

Process: Gently scraping an affected area, such as the mouth or genitals, with a sterile swab resembling a Q-tip.

Preparation required: No special preparation is needed prior to the test. 

What is the Significance of the Mycoplasma Body Swab Test Result?

  • A positive Mycoplasma Body Swab Test may indicate infection by mycoplasma, including M. pneumoniae, M. hominis, or M. genitalium 

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario. 

Additional and Relevant Useful Information:

  • Re-infection with mycoplasma is possible, but it is more easily controlled, than the initial infection 

Certain medications that you may be currently taking may influence the outcome of the test. Hence, it is important to inform your healthcare provider, the complete list of medications (including any herbal supplements) you are currently taking. This will help the healthcare provider interpret your test results more accurately and avoid unnecessary chances of a misdiagnosis.

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
Approved by

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!