Mycoplasma pneumoniae: All about the pathogen that is causing a major outbreak of pneumonia in children across China
respiratory infections among children particularly those from kindergarten and primary school. Symptoms range from that of influenza to pneumonia.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium that can cause lung infection, leading to a condition known as atypical pneumonia. Understanding this bacterium, its manifestations, preventive measures, and available treatments is crucial for effective management.
Symptoms
This type of pneumonia is different from that caused by other common bacteria and is characterized by mild symptoms that can appear over 1 to 3 weeks. While symptoms are often mild, they may become more severe in some individuals. Common symptoms include chest pain, chills, dry cough, excessive sweating, fever, headache, and sore throat. Less common symptoms may include ear pain, eye pain or soreness, muscle aches, joint stiffness, neck lump, rapid breathing, and skin lesions or rash.
Mycoplasma pneumonia usually affects people younger than 40, and those who live or work in crowded areas such as schools and homeless shelters have a higher chance of contracting this condition. However, many people who get sick with it have no known risk factors.
The bacterium can cause illness by damaging the lining of the respiratory system, including the throat, lungs, and windpipe. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, small respiratory droplets containing the bacteria are released, and others can become infected by breathing in those droplets. Most people who spend a short amount of time with someone infected with M. pneumoniae do not get infected. However, the bacteria often spread between people who live together, as they spend a lot of time in close proximity.
