Mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a lung infection caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It is particularly common among children and young adults, but can affect people of all ages.
Book appointmentMycoplasma pneumonia often begins gradually with mild symptoms similar to a common cold:
After a few days, symptoms may worsen:
Mycoplasma pneumonia is spread through respiratory droplets, such as when coughing and sneezing. The incubation period (the time from infection to symptoms) is usually 2-3 weeks.
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Mycoplasma pneumonia is diagnosed by detecting the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a sample from the respiratory tract. This is usually done with a PCR test of a throat or nasal swab.
Many laboratories include the test for M. pneumoniae in a "respiratory kit" that is used to screen for several common respiratory infections at the same time.
Blood tests (serology) to detect antibodies to the bacterium are used less frequently, as it can take time for the antibodies to form.
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✔️ If you have symptoms of pneumonia, especially if you have a high fever, difficulty breathing or chest pain.
✔️ If your symptoms do not improve after a week, or if they worsen.
✔️ If you have underlying diseases that increase the risk of complications.
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