What is mycoplasma and how does it affect our health?

Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria that can cause a variety of infections in humans. It is responsible for respiratory, urinary, and genital infections. Although mycoplasma infections often have mild symptoms, they can also lead to more serious health problems. In this article, we will discuss what it is, its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and what the treatment options are.

What is mycoplasma?

This is a type of bacteria that does not have a cell wall. Most bacteria have cell walls that antibiotics attack to kill the bacteria. Because it does not have a cell wall, standard antibiotics do not work on these bacteria.

Types of Mycoplasma Infections

This can cause various types of infections in human bodies. The most common are:

Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Responsible for lung infections such as the so-called "walking pneumonia", which causes cold-like symptoms, or mild pneumonia that does not require hospitalization.
Mycoplasma genitalium: It inhabits the reproductive organs and can be sexually transmitted. It can occur without symptoms of infection.
Mycoplasma hominis: It lives in the urinary tract and genitals and can also cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of mycoplasma infection:

Type of infection	Typical symptoms	Symptoms in children (under 5 years of age)
Tracheobronchitis (cold of the lungs)	- Tiredness - Fever - Headache – Gradually worsening cough - Sore throat	- Diarrhea - Sneezing - Sore throat – Blocked or runny nose -Vomiting - Watery eyes -Wheezing
Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs – “walking pneumonia“)	- Persistent cough - Tiredness -Fever and chills - Shortness of breath	Lack
General symptoms	- Cough - Fever - Headache - Tiredness - Sore throat	Lack

How does mycoplasma spread?

This is an infectious bacterium, spread mainly through tiny droplets of discharge from the nose and throat of an infected person, which are released during coughing and sneezing. The infection can also be transmitted sexually. In the case of a respiratory infection, it can spread in environments where people have close contact with each other, such as schools, student dormitories or nursing homes. The period of contagion is on average 10 days.

How is mycoplasma diagnosed?

Diagnosis of mycoplasma is based on clinical symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may order a chest X-ray to confirm Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. In cases of sexual infections, a bacterial culture test or PCR test may be performed.

How is mycoplasmosis infection treated?

It is resistant to most standard antibiotics, but antibiotics from the macrolide group (erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin) effectively eliminate the bacteria. In addition, in the case of mild infections, antibiotic treatment is not always necessary, as some cases may resolve spontaneously. Symptoms usually disappear after 2-3 days of antibiotic treatment, but in the case of respiratory infections, full recovery may take several weeks.

How to prevent mycoplasma infections?

There is no vaccine against mycoplasma, and the bacteria is highly contagious. However, you can take preventive measures to reduce your risk of infection:

Wash your hands regularly
Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
Avoiding contact with sick people
Taking antibiotics prescribed by a doctor
Practicing safe sex

Summary

Mycoplasma is a bacterium that causes a range of infections, from mild colds to more serious pneumonia. Although most cases are mild, some people may experience complications that require hospital treatment. Good hygiene practices and avoiding close contact with infected people can help prevent the spread of mycoplasma.