Mycoplasma Testing

Q: What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae and how does it spread?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes respiratory tract infections known as “walking pneumonia,” primarily spreading through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It frequently affects school-aged children and young adults but can occur in all age groups.3,4

Q: What are common symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection?

Symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae include tiredness, fever, headaches, a slowly worsening cough, and sore throat. In severe cases, it may lead to pneumonia with symptoms like shortness of breath and chills. Younger children may experience symptoms like diarrhea, runny nose, or vomiting.3

Q: How is Mycoplasma pneumoniae diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae often involves clinical examination, chest x-rays, and specific lab tests such as Alethia Mycoplasma Direct and Immunocard Mycoplasma to identify the bacteria. Treatment generally includes antibiotics, although some strains show resistance to macrolide antibiotics, and symptom management with over-the-counter medications.5

Prevent the Preventable. Manage the Manageable.

It is estimated that over 2 million people in the United States are infected annually with Mycoplasma pnuemoniae.

Mycoplasma Testing: Accurate Detection for Early Intervention

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes respiratory tract infections known as “walking pneumonia. ” It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the main causes of atypical pneumonia in the U.S., and it is associated with 40% of community-acquired pneumonia cases. Early detection is critical for ensuring timely treatment and preventing the spread of infection, particularly in healthcare and community settings.

Causes upper and lower respiratory infection in all age groups, particularly in patients 5 years or older.²

The annual incidence in the U.S. is 24.8 cases per 10,000 adults. ²

Mortality rate is as high as 23% for patients admitted to the intensive care unit for severe pneumonia..²

Molecular Testing Solutions for Mycoplasma pneumoniae Respiratory Infections

A More Sensitive and Targeted Testing Method Compared to X-ray, Serology and Multiplex Molecular

Alethia Mycoplasma Direct is a molecular assay for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a standalone test that provides an accurate and reliable result from a throat swab in less than 1 hour.

Alethia^® Mycoplasma Direct

Alethia provides a quick, accurate and reliable molecular assay for Mycoplasma pneumoniae detection. Learn More

Immunoassay Testing Solutions for Mycoplasma pneumoniae Respiratory Infections

Immunocard Mycoplasma is a rapid sensitive enzyme immunoassay for the detection of IgM antibody to Mycoplasma pneumoniae which allows for the identification of early/acute illness and proper treatment selection.

Immunocard^® Mycoplasma

A rapid, sensitive enzyme immunoassay for the detection of IgM to Mycoplasma pneumoniae in human serum.

Learn More

Educational Resources for Mycoplasma Testing Insights

As dedicated partners in enhancing patient care, we take pride in our diverse diagnostic portfolio and go further by offering educational content and tools, leveraging our expertise to boost testing utilization and support our partners comprehensively.

Alethia Mycoplasma Direct
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Immunocard Mycoplasma Product Brochure

Respiratory Family
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mycoplasma Testing

What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae and how does it spread?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium that causes respiratory tract infections known as “walking pneumonia,” primarily spreading through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It frequently affects school-aged children and young adults but can occur in all age groups.^3,4

What are common symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection?

Symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae include tiredness, fever, headaches, a slowly worsening cough, and sore throat. In severe cases, it may lead to pneumonia with symptoms like shortness of breath and chills. Younger children may experience symptoms like diarrhea, runny nose, or vomiting.³

How is Mycoplasma pneumoniae diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae often involves clinical examination, chest x-rays, and specific lab tests such as Alethia Mycoplasma Direct and Immunocard Mycoplasma to identify the bacteria. Treatment generally includes antibiotics, although some strains show resistance to macrolide antibiotics, and symptom management with over-the-counter medications.⁵

What complications can arise from Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections?

While most cases are mild, complications can include asthma exacerbations, encephalitis, hemolytic anemia, renal dysfunction, and severe pneumonia. Rarely, it can lead to Stevens-Johnson syndrome or mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM).⁵

References:

Mycoplasma Pneumonia – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
Notes from the Field: Reemergence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections in Children and Adolescents After the COVID-19 Pandemic, United States, 2018–2024 | MMWR (cdc.gov)
https://www.cdc.gov/mycoplasma/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/mycoplasma/causes/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/mycoplasma/about/index.html