Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a bacteria that can cause respiratory tract infections, including mild upper respiratory illness, pneumonia (lung infection) or bronchitis (inflammation of airways).
M. pneumoniae infections are most common in school aged children and young adults.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms usually begin 1–3 weeks after contact with the bacteria and can include:
- sore throat
- runny nose
- fever, chills or sweating
- a slowly worsening cough
- headache
- fatigue
- skin rash or sores around the mouth or eyes.
Symptoms of pneumonia may include:
- persistent fever
- cough, with or without sputum
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.
A rare complication of M. pneumoniae infection is encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of suspected M. pneumoniae infection can be made by a doctor based on signs and symptoms. A swab collected from the nose and throat can confirm infection. Pneumonia may be diagnosed by your doctor with or without a blood test or chest x-ray.
Treatment
Most infections of M. pneumoniae are mild and most people recover completely without treatment. Antibiotics may be used for severe infections like pneumonia.
Transmission
M. pneumoniae bacteria are easily spread person to person by respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Contact with unwashed hands and contaminated objects or surfaces can also spread the bacteria.
Prevention
Respiratory illness can be prevented by:
- washing your hands and children’s hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
- cleaning and disinfection of regularly touched surfaces, toys and objects such as door handles
- cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or elbow, throw away used tissues in the bin and wash your hands
- keeping unwell children away from newborn babies, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems
- staying home when you are unwell.
Children should not attend school or childcare settings with symptoms of acute respiratory illness.
Other resources
13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
Help and assistance
For further information, please contact your local doctor, health centre or nearest Public Health Unit; or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the cost of a local call.