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Mycoplasma is the name given to several species of bacteria that cause infections in the respiratory system, genital tract, central nervous system, heart, or skin.

The most important of these is pneumonia, caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. When it affects the lungs, causing a pneumonia, it is referred to as "walking pneumonia."

What is going on in the body?

Mycoplasma is a very contagious bacteria found only in humans. Young children infected with the bacteria often have no symptoms. Older children and adults often have upper respiratory infections. Sometimes the trachea (windpipe) and bronchial tubes may be infected. Less often, the person may have pneumonia or an ear infection.

Occasionally, Mycoplasma species can cause infections in other parts of the body:

• encephalitis, which is an infection of the brain tissue
• meningitis, which is an infection of the membrane lining the brain and spinal cord
• myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart
• skin infections

What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?

Mycoplasma infections generally affect the respiratory system. Individuals with this condition may have the following symptoms:

• cough
• ear pain
• fever
• headache
• malaise, or a vague feeling of illness
• sore throat

Mycoplasma infections in other body systems cause different symptoms, depending on the organs that are involved.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

These bacteria spread from person to person through respiratory secretions. Outbreaks of Mycoplasma infections are often seen in young adults who live in crowded situations such as college dormitories and military housing.

Individuals at high risk for Mycoplasma infections include those who have the following conditions:

• heart disease
• immunodeficiency disorders, which impair the body's ability to fight infection
• lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• sickle cell anemia, a condition which causes abnormal red blood cells

Mycoplasma pneumonia most often occurs in fall and early winter.

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Good hand-washing can help prevent some Mycoplasma infections. High risk individuals may be given preventive antibiotics if they are in very close contact with an infected person.

How is the infection diagnosed?

Diagnosis of mycoplasma infections begins with a medical history and physical exam.bacteria can be found in the sputum and other body fluids. An antibody titer test can detect antibodies to the infection. A chest X-ray will also help with the diagnosis.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Rarely, mycoplasma infections can cause permanent lung damage. They can also cause nervous system disorders or heart damage.

What are the risks to others?

Mycoplasma infections are contagious. They can be spread to others through respiratory secretions.

What are the treatments for the infection?

Following are some of the antibiotics commonly used to treat Mycoplasma infections:

• clarithromycin (i.e., Biaxin)
• doxycycline (i.e., Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Periostat, Vibramycin)
• erythromycin (i.e. EES)
• azithromycin (i.e., Zithromax, Zmax)
• tetracycline (i.e., Sumycin)
• levofloxacin (i.e., Levaquin)

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, rash, or allergic reactions.

What happens after treatment for the infection?

With treatment, people usually recover fully from Mycoplasma infections.

How is the infection monitored?

The individual may need regular visits to the healthcare provider until recovery is assured. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the provider.