What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Cold Agglutinin Positive Pneumonia
• Mycoplasmal Pneumonia
• Pneumonia due to PPLO

What is Mycoplasma Pneumonia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Mycoplasma Pneumonia is a common type of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
• Common signs and symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia include chest pain, fever, and cough.
• In most cases, the individuals are able to recover fully, without the use of antibiotics. In more severe cases, medical treatment is necessary with antibiotics and rejuvenation of body fluids.
• The prognosis of this infection with treatment is excellent.
• 40% of community acquired pneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma Pneumonia.

Who gets Mycoplasma Pneumonia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals below the age of 40 years have the highest risk of contracting Mycoplasma Pneumonia
• Both males and females are affected by the condition
• Mycoplasma Pneumonia can occur worldwide, with no preference to any specific race or ethnic group 

What are the Risk Factors for Mycoplasma Pneumonia? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors of Mycoplasma Pneumonia include:

• Crowded working conditions
• Living in a homeless shelter
• Close contact with kids, who are exposed to the bacterium 

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. 

What are the Causes of Mycoplasma Pneumonia? (Etiology)

• Mycoplasma Pneumonia is caused by the parasitic bacteria, Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• When the bacteria enters the body, it attacks the mucosal membranes of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, leading to symptoms that characterize the illness 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia?

The signs and symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia include:

• Chest pain, cough
• Chills, fever
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Excessive sweating 

How is Mycoplasma Pneumonia Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Mycoplasma Pneumonia would include the following:

• If a medical professional suspect’s pneumonia, a complete medical evaluation will be conducted, which would include a physical examination and medical history evaluation. Since, Mycoplasma Pneumonia can cause signs and symptoms similar to other infections, the diagnosis could be delayed
• Chest x-ray
• Blood test and sputum culture
• Bronchoscopy
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Mycoplasma Pneumonia 

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. 

What are the possible Complications of Mycoplasma Pneumonia?

Individuals with Mycoplasma Pneumonia may have the following complications:

• Ear infection
• Hemolytic anemia
• Skin rash 

How is Mycoplasma Pneumonia Treated?

A treatment of Mycoplasma Pneumonia may involve:

• Medical professionals most often prescribe antibiotics to fight this bacterial infection. These can include antibiotics, such as macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines. However, Mycoplasma Pneumonia is often resistant to many antibiotics
• If fever develops, aspirin is recommended
• It is also recommended that the infected individual drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and take plenty of rest, in order to allow their body to recover 

How can Mycoplasma Pneumonia be Prevented?

Currently, there is no method to completely prevent the spread of Mycoplasma Pneumonia. However, individuals may take certain precautionary measures, such as:

• Avoiding individuals infected with Mycoplasma Pneumonia can help reduce the risk
• Similarly, individuals who are in poor health, or those who have a weakened immune system are encouraged to avoid contact with those affected by this bacterial infection
• Vaccines against Mycoplasma Pneumonia are being developed and tested
• It has also been found that azithromycin can help reduce the risk of developing Mycoplasma Pneumonia 

What is the Prognosis of Mycoplasma Pneumonia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Most individuals with Mycoplasma Pneumonia are able to recover completely, without the use of antibiotics. Hence, in the majority of cases, the prognosis for Mycoplasma Pneumonia is excellent
• However, in those with more severe symptoms, administering antibiotics can speed up the recovery time
• Individuals, who already have a weak immune system, may suffer long-term complications, and in very severe cases, the condition could be (rarely) fatal 

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Mycoplasma Pneumonia:

Atypical pneumonia is a type of lung infection that is caused by specific types of bacteria namely, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. 

The following article links will help you understand atypical pneumonia:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/atypical-pneumonia/