In this past month, there was news about Mycoplasma Pneumonia, a disease that caused by bacteria (Mycoplasma pneumoniae) that attacks the human respiratory system. Currently, there is a rapid increase in cases in China. This type of bacteria can cause illnesses in varying severity, ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infections to severe atypical pneumonia. This disease can occur endemically throughout the world. Epidemic spikes can occur at intervals of four to seven years.1 Diagnosis of the early stages of this disease will be difficult because it does not immediately show real symptoms of infection in the body after exposure for the first 1 to 3 weeks, however, the doctor can perform a physical examination and order a chest x-ray and CT scan to help in the diagnose process of mycoplasma pneumonia.2

 

Symptoms of Infection with M. pneumoniae Bacteria

The following are some of the symptoms caused by M. pneumoniae bacterial infection:2,3,5

1. Sore throat

2. Fatigue

3. Fever

4. Headache

5. Cough that gets worse slowly

Symptoms usually appear gradually and can last for months. Some cases in adults show no symptoms. However, symptoms are generally occurred as a protective immunity reaction in children.1

Treatment

Several steps to treat Mycoplasma Pneumonia that can be taken by your doctor, including: 2,5

1. Using antibiotics. In children, the main antibiotics that will be prescribed are macrolides, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin, and azithromycin. For adults, the antibiotics that will be prescribed such as tetracyclines (eg doxycycline) and quinolones (eg moxifloxacin, levofloxacin).

2. Using corticosteroids such as prednisolone and methylprednisolone to treat inflammation.

3. If patient’s condition is severe, then immunomodulatory therapy could be used.

Prevention

Below are some things that can be done to prevent infection with M. pneumoniae, namely:2,4,5

1. Adopt a healthy lifestyle by frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or after interacting with people with mycoplasma pneumonia.

2. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you don't have a tissue, use your upper arm or elbow.

3. Avoid people with symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia.

4. Eat nutritious food and get enough sleep at night (6 to 8 hours).

5. Take antibiotics according to the doctor's instructions and prescription.

6. If you are sick or feeling not healthy, try to stay at home and wear a mask to prevent the spread.

References:

  • 1. Kashyap, S. and Sarkar, M. 2010. Mycoplasma pneumonia: Clinical features and management. Lung India. 27(2): 75-85
  • 2. Lydia Krause. Mycoplasma Pneumonia Infection. Last reviewed on December 17, 2021. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/mycoplasma-pneumonia#symptoms
  • 3. WebMD Editorial Contributors. Mycoplasma Infections. Last reviewed on September 18, 2023. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/mycoplasma-infections#1-1
  • 4. Cleveland Clinic Medical Professional. Mycoplasma. Last reviewed on July 27, 2022. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23545-mycoplasma
  • 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections. Last reviewed on August 24, 2022. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/about/prevention.html