Mycoplasma infection: symptoms and treatment

December 5, 2023 press service of Rospotrebnadzor reportedthat isolated cases of mycoplasmosis have been recorded in Russia. What is known about the virus is in the Kommersant information sheet.

What is mycoplasma infection

Mycoplasma infection is caused by mycoplasmas. These are organisms that have features common to both bacteria and viruses. They do not have a cell wall, so they are resistant to some antibiotics. Mycoplasmas are able to multiply on cell-free media. At least 13 species of such microorganisms have been found in humans. Most of them are part of the normal microflora of the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitourinary tract.

The causative agent of respiratory diseases is Mycoplasma pneumoniae. With this infection, tracheitis, bronchitis and pneumonia can develop. In 5–10%, pneumonia occurs.

How the disease spreads

Mycoplasma infection is spread by airborne droplets. Such diseases often spread in close groups – for example, schools, dormitories, military units. Major outbreaks of the disease usually occur in the autumn-winter period. The number of cases increases cyclically. Upturns occur every five to seven years.

Symptoms of mycoplasma infection

Patients with mycoplasma pneumonia experience the following symptoms:

– cough (dry or with a small amount of sputum);

– headache;

– elevated temperature;

– chills;

– runny nose;

– sore or sore throat;

– ear pain;

– general weakness.

Treatment of the disease

There is no special vaccine for this disease. Treatment is carried out using antibacterial drugs. How long and how often it will be necessary to take medications is determined by the doctor depending on the clinical picture. In addition, there are vaccines against the typical pathogens of pneumonia – pneumococci. Now this vaccination is included in the national calendar.

Methods for diagnosing infection

The following tests can detect mycoplasma infection:

– general blood analysis;

– erythrocyte sedimentation rate test;

— general urine analysis with microscopy;

— molecular genetic research on the DNA of bacteria of the genus Mycoplasma;

— for antibodies of the IgA, IgA, IgM classes to the pathogen Mycoplasma pneumonia.