Mycoplasma

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Mycoplasma infection
File:M. haemofelis IP2011.jpg
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue
Complications Pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma exacerbation
Onset Gradual
Duration Weeks to months
Types N/A
Causes Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Risks Close contact with infected individuals, immunocompromised state
Diagnosis Serology, PCR testing
Differential diagnosis Viral infection, bacterial pneumonia
Prevention Good hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals
Treatment Antibiotics such as macrolides, tetracyclines, or fluoroquinolones
Medication Azithromycin, doxycycline, levofloxacin
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency Common
Deaths Rare


Mycoplasma is a genus of bacteria that lack a cell wall, making them naturally resistant to many common antibiotics such as penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis.[1]

Characteristics[edit]

File:Mycoplasma felis.jpg
Mycoplasma_felis

The absence of a cell wall gives mycoplasmas the flexibility to change shape and size, a trait that makes them difficult to identify and control. Additionally, this property allows them to survive and proliferate in a variety of environmental conditions.[2]

Disease Involvement[edit]

Various species of Mycoplasma are pathogenic in humans. Most notably, Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, while Mycoplasma genitalium is associated with sexually transmitted infections.[3]

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of mycoplasma infections typically involves polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, culture, or serologic testing. These tests can identify the specific species responsible for infection.[4]

Treatment[edit]

Since mycoplasmas are resistant to antibiotics that target cell wall synthesis, treatment usually involves antibiotics such as macrolides, tetracyclines, or fluoroquinolones. Additionally, symptomatic management may be necessary depending on the severity of the infection.[5]

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. Mycoplasma(link). {{{website}}}. NCBI Bookshelf. Accessed 2023-05-18.
  2. Mycoplasma(link). {{{website}}}. Britannica. Accessed 2023-05-18.
  3. Mycoplasma Infections(link). {{{website}}}. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 2023-05-18.
  4. Mycoplasma Infections(link). {{{website}}}. MSD Manuals. Accessed 2023-05-18.
  5. Mycoplasma Infections(link). {{{website}}}. UpToDate. Accessed 2023-05-18.


Template:Bacteria classification

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