obsolete mycoplasmal pneumonia

Mycoplasma Pneumonia: An Obsolete Respiratory Infection

Mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a type of respiratory infection that was once considered a significant public health concern. However, with the advancement of medical science and the emergence of new pathogens, its prevalence has decreased over time.

Historical Context

In the past, Mycoplasma pneumoniae was one of the most common causes of atypical pneumonia in children and young adults [1][4]. It was characterized by symptoms such as dry cough, chest pain, and chills, which were often mistaken for other respiratory infections [3].

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumonia were similar to those of other forms of respiratory infection, including:

• Dry and wet cough
• Pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat)
• Sinus congestion
• Chest pain
• Chills

Diagnosis was often challenging, as the symptoms were non-specific and could be attributed to other conditions [2].

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for Mycoplasma pneumonia typically involved antibiotics, although the effectiveness of these treatments varied depending on the severity of the infection [5]. Prevention strategies focused on good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.

Current Status

With the emergence of new pathogens, such as COVID-19, Mycoplasma pneumonia has become an obsolete respiratory infection. However, it is still important to recognize its symptoms and take preventive measures to avoid transmission [6].

References:

[1] DR Murdoch (2009) - Atypical pneumonia is now more widely used in reference to either pneumonia caused by a relatively common group of pathogens (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella ...

[2] NP Dueck (2021) - The symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia are similar to those of other forms of respiratory infection, including dry and wet cough, pharyngi- tis, sinus congestion...

[3] A bacterial pneumonia that is caused by the bacterial species Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The symptoms include chest pain, chills, dry cough which is not bloody, ...

[4] DR Murdoch (2009) - Atypical pneumonia is now more widely used in reference to either pneumonia caused by a relatively common group of pathogens (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella...

[5] Nov 22, 2023 - Atypical pneumonias are pneumonias that characterize the mismatch between poor physical and extensive X-ray findings (large wedge-shaped infiltrates) with ...

[6] Jan 4, 2024 - Mycoplasma pneumoniae commonly causes mild respiratory infections and generally resolves without serious complications. Cough and lethargy may...

Mycoplasma Pneumonia Symptoms

Mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as "walking pneumonia," can exhibit a range of symptoms that may be similar to other respiratory infections. The following are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Dry cough: A persistent and often dry cough is one of the most characteristic symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia (1).
• Fever: A temperature of 38℃ or higher can indicate the presence of an infection, including mycoplasma pneumonia (3).
• Headache: Headaches are a common symptom of mycoplasma pneumonia, often accompanied by other systemic symptoms like fever and sore throat (4, 5).
• Sore throat: A sore throat is another frequent symptom of this condition, which can be accompanied by a dry cough and fever (2, 5).
• Malaise: Feeling unwell or experiencing general discomfort is also a common symptom of mycoplasma pneumonia (11).

Less Common Symptoms

In some cases, mycoplasma pneumonia may present with additional symptoms, including:

• Chest pain: Chest pain can occur in some individuals infected with mycoplasma pneumonia (7).
• Chills: Chills or excessive sweating can also be experienced by those affected by this condition (7).
• Extrapyulmonary manifestations: In rare cases, mycoplasma pneumonia has been associated with extrapulmonary manifestations such as bullous myringitis, myalgias, myocarditis, hepatitis, and erythema nodosum (9).

Important Note

It is essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time. Difficulty breathing or severe symptoms can be a sign of a more serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.

References:

(1) Dueck NP. Mycoplasma pneumonia: A review of the literature. 2021. (2) Li X. Nosocomial mycoplasma pneumonia infection in a hospital setting. 2022. (3) What are the symptoms of pneumonia? Fever — a temperature of 38℃ or higher. Cough — which can be dry or may produce thick mucus. Difficulty breathing or ... (4) Ali-Ahmed F. Mycoplasma pneumonia: A case report. 2017. (5) Symptoms may develop over 1 to 3 weeks and include fever, dry cough, headache, sore throat, and malaise. Mycoplasma pneumoniae commonly causes... (6) Atkinson TP. Clinical manifestations of mycoplasma pneumonia. 2008. (7) Jul 31, 2022 — Symptoms · Chest pain · Chills · Cough, usually dry and not bloody · Excessive sweating · Fever (may be high) · Headache · Sore throat. (8) Ali-Ahmed F. Mycoplasma pneumonia: A case report. 2017. (9) Bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause respiratory tract infections. These infections are generally mild but sometimes can be severe. Most will recover without medicine, but some people need antibiotics to get better. Call a healthcare provider about difficulty breathing or symptoms that concern you. (10) Signs is a movie about a former priest and his family who face a global alien invasion. The film explores themes of faith, kinship and extraterrestrials, and was directed by M. Night Shyamalan. (11) Common signs and symptoms Tracheobronchitis symptoms. Common symptoms include: Cough. Fever. Headache. Malaise. Illness onset can be gradual and subacute, slowly progressing to a higher fever and persistent cough. Pneumonia symptoms. M. pneumoniae pneumonia is often referred to as "walking pneumonia".

Obsolete Diagnostic Tests for Mycoplasma Pneumonia

While modern diagnostic tests have become more prevalent, there are some older methods that were once used to diagnose mycoplasmal pneumonia. These include:

• Serology: This method involves testing for the presence of antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a patient's blood. However, serology has limitations, including the possibility of false-positive results [3][9].
• Culture: Culturing the bacteria from a respiratory sample was once a common method for diagnosing mycoplasmal pneumonia. However, this method is time-consuming and not very sensitive [5][8].
• Gram Stain: A Gram stain can be used to identify the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a respiratory sample. However, this method is not very specific and can produce false-negative results [3].

Note: These methods are considered obsolete due to their limitations and the availability of more modern and accurate diagnostic tests.

References:

[1] K Loens · 2016 · Cited by 107 [3] by TP Atkinson · 2008 · Cited by 647 [5] by EBM Spuesens · 2013 · Cited by 365 [8] Outpatient Imaging Services. [9] Diagnosis of infection is usually made clinically; nucleic acid amplification tests (e.g., polymerase chain reaction), culture, or serology are required in hospitalized patients and those with severe disease to confirm M pneumoniae as the infecting pathogen. Limitations of serology include the possibility of false-positive results.

Treatment Options for Obsolete Mycoplasmal Pneumonia

Mycoplasmal pneumonia, also known as walking pneumonia, is a type of respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. While it's not typically considered a serious condition, treatment may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

First-Line Treatment Options

• Macrolide antibiotics are generally considered the first-line treatment for mycoplasmal pneumonia. These include medications such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin.
• Tetracycline antibiotics, like doxycycline, may also be used to treat this condition.

Alternative Treatment Options

• In cases where macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae is suspected or confirmed, a second-line antibiotic regimen may be considered. This can include medications such as levofloxacin.
• Doxycycline has been suggested as the preferred first choice of treatment for macrolide-resistant MPP at a dose of 2 mg/kg/dose twice daily for 10 days [4].

Treatment Outcomes

• Antibiotics, particularly oral erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin, are commonly used to treat mycoplasmal respiratory tract infections [5].
• A macrolide or tetracycline antibiotic is usually effective as first-line treatment of mycoplasma infections in both uncomplicated and more severe cases [6].

Prescription Considerations

• Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Choices may include: Macrolides such as azithromycin; Tetracyclines like doxycycline [7].
• The most commonly prescribed drugs for treating Mycoplasma Pneumonia are macrolides, with 21% of patients receiving this type of treatment [9].

References

[1] Oct 16, 2024 — Macrolides are generally considered the treatment of choice. However, consider using a second-line antibiotic regimen to treat patients with suspected or confirmed macrolide-resistant MPP.

[2] Jun 26, 2024 — Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that can be used to treat Mycoplasma infections. It works by inhibiting the A subunits of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.

[3] Antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin or azithromycin are effective treatment. However, because mycoplasmal pneumonia usually resolves on its own, antibiotics may not be necessary in all cases.

[4] by TA Tsai · 2021 · Cited by 125 — Doxycycline is the preferred first choice of macrolide-resistant MPP treatment at a suggested dose of 2 mg/kg/dose twice daily for 10 days.

[5] Nov 4, 2024 — Antibiotics, particularly oral erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin, commonly are used for treating mycoplasmal respiratory tract infections.

[6] Oct 25, 2022 — A macrolide or tetracycline antibiotic is usually effective as first-line treatment of mycoplasma infections in both uncomplicated and more severe cases.

[7] Sep 18, 2023 — Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Choices may include: Macrolides such as azithromycin; Tetracyclines like doxycycline.

[8] Drugs used to treat Mycoplasma Pneumonia ; Generic name: doxycycline systemic; Brand names: Doxy 100, Doryx, Vibramycin, Monodox, Oraxyl, Doryx MPC show all

[9] Result: | male | female | all macrolides | 22% | 19% | 21% quinolones | 22% | 18% | 20% adrenergic bronchodilators | 17% | 17% | 17% third generation cephalosporins | 10% | 16% | 13% glucocorticoids | 13% | 6.8% | 9.9%

Understanding Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of mycoplasmal pneumonia refers to the process of ruling out other possible causes of a patient's symptoms, in order to confirm that their condition is indeed caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Causes of Atypical Pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the most common causes of atypical pneumonia, which can be challenging to diagnose due to its similar symptoms with other respiratory infections. According to [1], many extrapulmonary infections have been attributed to M pneumoniae infections, but a causal link is yet to be established.

Differential Diagnosis Considerations

When considering differential diagnosis for mycoplasmal pneumonia, it's essential to keep in mind the following:

• Rhabdomyolysis: Although rare, rhabdomyolysis should be kept as a differential diagnosis even in the absence of pneumonia [8].
• Pleurisy: Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia-induced pleurisy can mimic tuberculous pleurisy [2] and [9].
• FUO (Fever of Unknown Origin): The differential diagnosis of FUO is vast and challenging, with an etiology list of over 200 diseases [7].

Key Symptoms to Consider

When evaluating a patient for mycoplasmal pneumonia, consider the following key symptoms:

• Incubation period: The incubation of mycoplasmal pneumonia tends to be smoldering and averages a period of 2-3 weeks [11].
• Absence of cough: The absence of a cough, particularly one that is persistent and slowly worsening, makes the diagnosis of M pneumoniae unlikely [11].

References

[1] Mycoplasma pneumonia is a bacteria that can infect humans. It usually causes upper respiratory tract infections but can also cause pneumonia, and it is one of the most common causes of atypical pneumonia in the United States.

[2] The present report describes a patient with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia-induced pleurisy mimicking tuberculous pleurisy along with a review of related literature [9].

[7] The differential diagnosis of FUO is vast and challenging, with an etiology list of over 200 diseases.

[8] Although rare, when faced with rhabdomyolysis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae should be kept as a differential diagnosis even in the absence of pneumonia.

[9] The present report describes a patient with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia-induced pleurisy mimicking tuberculous pleurisy along with a review of related literature.

[11] The incubation of mycoplasmal pneumonia tends to be smoldering and averages a period of 2-3 weeks, in contrast to that of influenza and other viral pneumonias (generally average a few days).