Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma is a bacterium (singular form of bacteria) that can lead to bacterial infections. Different types of mycoplasmas target specific areas of your body, including your lung (respiratory) system and urinary system, as well as your genitals. Mycoplasmas that cause lung infections are the most common type.

Mycoplasmas are unique because, unlike other bacteria, they don’t have cell walls. Standard antibiotics destroy most bacteria by weakening their cell walls. Since mycoplasmas don’t have cell walls, those antibiotics don’t work on them. While most mycoplasma infections will go away on their own, healthcare providers will sometimes use special antibiotics to kill the bacterium and get you feeling well again.

Types of mycoplasma

There are three main types of mycoplasma that cause bacterial infections:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae: This type of mycoplasma causes lung infections known as “walking pneumonia” because symptoms appear as a chest cold or mild pneumonia that doesn’t usually require hospitalization.
• Mycoplasma genitalium: This mycoplasma lives in your reproductive organs and can spread through sexual intercourse. Most symptoms are similar to those of a sexually transmitted infection, including pain during sex and discharge from your vagina or penis.
• Mycoplasma hominis: This bacterium lives in your urinary tract and genitals. It can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems. The bacterium can also pass from parent to child during childbirth, particularly in premature babies.

Symptoms of mycoplasma infections

Some mycoplasma infections don’t cause symptoms. You may not even know you have an infection at first. If you do have mycoplasma symptoms, they may last from just a few days up to a month. Symptoms may appear two to three weeks after exposure to the bacterium. The most common symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections include:

• Abnormal lung sounds
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat

Rarely, you may develop a type of mycoplasma rash. This skin condition can range from mild redness to severe, painful blisters.

Mycoplasma infection causes

Mycoplasma is a contagious bacterium. Mycoplasma pneumoniae easily spreads from an infected person to others nearby in tiny droplets that become airborne after a cough or sneeze. Respiratory mycoplasma infections are contagious for an average of 10 days.

Risk factors

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections can affect anyone. But certain risk factors increase your chances of developing the condition, including:

• Age: Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections most commonly affect children between the ages of 5 and 17.
• Certain health conditions: Having a preexisting lung condition, like asthma, or a weakened immune system, can cause an infection.
• Living in group environments or spending time in crowded settings: These includes schools, residence halls, hospitals, nursing homes and correctional facilities.

Complications of mycoplasma infections

Complications of a mycoplasma infection may include:

• Asthma attacks
• Empyema
• Encephalitis
• Hemolytic anemia
• Kidney problems
• Pleural effusion
• Severe pneumonia
• Skin diseases, like Stevens-Johnson syndrome

How doctors diagnose mycoplasma infections

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. They’ll ask about your medical history and whether you live or spend time in a crowded environment. You may need a chest X-ray to confirm a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Sometimes, providers request other imaging tests, like CT scans.

Tests that are used to diagnose mycoplasma infections

Several lab tests can help your provider diagnose or confirm a mycoplasma infection. These include:

• PCR test (polymerase chain reaction test): A swab collects fluid, often from your nose or throat, to detect genetic material from mycoplasma.
• Serology test: This test looks at a sample of your blood for antibodies to see if your immune system is fighting a mycoplasma infection.
• Coombs test: This test looks for antibodies that can harm your red blood cells.

Mycoplasma treatment

Some mycoplasma infections resolve on their own, so treatment isn’t always necessary, especially if you have very mild symptoms. You can take over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve your symptoms if you’re congested or have a cough.

If you think you have a more severe infection, talk to your healthcare provider about mycoplasma treatment options. They may prescribe you an antibiotic that can effectively kill the bacteria.

While many antibiotics are ineffective at destroying mycoplasma bacteria, the macrolide class of antibiotics can usually eliminate them. These antibiotics include:

• Azithromycin
• Clarithromycin
• Erythromycin

Other possible antibiotic options include a tetracycline, like doxycycline. If you’re immunocompromised, your provider may recommend fluoroquinolone (levofloxacin).

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

After you begin antibiotics, your symptoms will often decrease after two to three days. But respiratory infections may take weeks to completely resolve. Contact your healthcare provider if you still feel sick or have symptoms after you’ve completed your antibiotics.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you experience symptoms that persist, like cough and fever, or worsening symptoms like wheezing, visit your healthcare provider for treatment.

If you have difficulty breathing or a high fever that lasts more than a couple of days, go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

What can I expect if I have a mycoplasma infection?

Infections from mycoplasma bacteria vary based on the type and location of the infection in your body.

Your healthcare provider may test for the type of bacteria that caused your infection. Treatment should help you start to feel better after a few days. Some symptoms may persist after you finish treatment but should go away in a few weeks.

How long does a mycoplasma infection last?

With antibiotics, your symptoms should start to fade after a couple of days. If you have Mycoplasma pneumoniae, your cough could last a few weeks after you’ve finished your antibiotics.

Can mycoplasma infections be prevented?

There’s no vaccine to prevent mycoplasma infections, and the bacteria are highly contagious. But you can take steps to protect yourself and others from the bacteria by:

• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Practicing good hygiene and washing your hands often with soap and water
• Staying home if you’re sick or wearing a mask to prevent it from spreading
• Taking doctor-prescribed antibiotics as instructed