Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection in your lungs and airways. Sometimes, the infection can cause pneumonia.

Symptoms of M. pneumoniae infection can be mild, like a cold, even when you have pneumonia. This is why it’s sometimes called “walking pneumonia.” Sometimes, it progresses to severe complications.

Symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections usually cause mild respiratory symptoms. But sometimes, symptoms can become severe. They include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Wheezing
• Rash (uncommon)

Kids might also have digestive symptoms, like diarrhea or vomiting.

Causes

Bacteria cause Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections. They spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. But you usually have to spend a lot of time around someone to get infected.

Outbreaks of M. pneumoniae can happen where people are living close together. Examples include:

• Boarding schools
• College dorms
• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Military bases
• Summer camps

Risk factors

Young adults and school-aged kids are most likely to get M. pneumoniae infections. You’re at a higher risk for serious illness if you:

• Have a weakened immune system
• Have asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or another chronic respiratory condition

Complications

Complications aren’t common but can be serious. They include:

• Blood clotting issues, like disseminated intravascular coagulation
• Brain swelling (encephalitis)
• Destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Kidney issues
• Painful ulcers (Mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis/MIRM)
• Severe lung infections
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
• Worsening or development of asthma symptoms

How doctors diagnose Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Healthcare providers don’t regularly test for M. pneumoniae infections. They can use a chest X-ray to look for pneumonia. Then, they can use a nose and throat swab to determine the cause of the infection — like the specific bacterium or virus.

How is Mycoplasma pneumoniae treated?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae usually goes away on its own. If you have pneumonia or other severe symptoms, a healthcare provider will treat you with antibiotics.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a long-term health condition or compromised immune system and you have signs of an infection. Go to the emergency room if you have difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms.

What can I expect if I have a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection?

If you have a mild infection, it should get better on its own within two to three weeks. If your symptoms get worse or if you have other health conditions, you’ll need antibiotics to get rid of the infection.

Can Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of getting and spreading infections by:

• Washing your hands frequently
• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces (think toys, phones, doorknobs and countertops)
• Avoiding others when you’re sick