Do you also have a cough or sore throat these days? Sometimes we think, "Oh, this must be a common cold." But, not every cough or cold is so simple. Today we are going to talk about a special type of bacteria. It is called Mycoplasma . You may have heard this name before. Let's see what it is and why it is important.
What is Mycoplasma? Let's understand it simply!
Simply put, Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria . Just like other bacteria that cause diseases in our bodies. However, this Mycoplasma bacterium has a little something special. That is, unlike most other bacteria, it does not have a cell wall .
Think about it, just like a house has a wall, most bacteria have this cell wall. The common antibiotics we give for illness weaken this cell wall and kill the bacteria. However, because the Mycoplasma bacteria don't have that cell wall, those common antibiotics don't work on it . That's what's special about this one.
But there's nothing to worry about. Most of the time, mycoplasma infections go away on their own. If they don't, doctors can prescribe special antibiotics that can kill the bacteria and help you recover.
What types of Mycoplasma are there?
There are three main types of this Mycoplasma bacteria, which can cause infections in different parts of our bodies.
1. Mycoplasma pneumoniae
This is the most common type . It mainly affects our lungs and respiratory system . The pneumonia caused by this is also called "walking pneumonia" . This is because its symptoms are similar to a common chest cold or a mild form of pneumonia. In most cases, hospitalization is not required.
Imagine, your child, let's call him Kasun. Kasun has had a low-grade fever for a few days and a painful, dry cough. He can't even go to school. When he goes to a doctor, he tests him and says that it could be "walking pneumonia," which is caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia.
2. Mycoplasma genitalium `(Mycoplasma genitalium)`
This type of mycoplasma lives in the organs of our reproductive system . It can be sexually transmitted. That is, it can be passed from one person to another through sexual intercourse. Its symptoms are often similar to those of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) . For example, it can cause pain during sex and an unusual discharge from the vagina or penis.
3. Mycoplasma hominis `(Mycoplasma hominis)`
This bacteria lives in our urinary tract and reproductive organs . It can cause infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems . It can also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. This risk is especially high in premature babies .
What are the symptoms of a mycoplasma infection?
Some mycoplasma infections may not cause any symptoms . You may not even know you have the infection. But if symptoms do appear, they can last from a few days to about a month. Symptoms usually appear two to three weeks after the bacteria enter the body.
Specifically, the following are the symptoms commonly seen in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections :
- Abnormal lung sounds (sounds heard when a doctor examines)
- Dry cough (cough without phlegm)
- Tiredness, fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Difficulty breathing (like shortness of breath)
- Sore throat
Very rarely, some people may develop a skin rash . This can range from a small red spot to severe, painful blisters.
How do mycoplasma infections occur?
Mycoplasma is a contagious bacteria . Specifically, the type `Mycoplasma pneumoniae`, can easily spread to others through tiny droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes . These respiratory Mycoplasma infections are usually contagious for about 10 days.
Who is at higher risk of developing these?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection can actually affect anyone. However, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Age: Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are most common in children between the ages of 5 and 17.
- Certain health conditions: If you already have a lung disease like asthma , or if your immune system is weak , you are more likely to develop an infection.
- Being in crowded places: People who live in crowded places like schools, dormitories, hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons are at higher risk of contracting this disease.
Complications due to Mycoplasma infection
Although this is usually a simple case, sometimes a mycoplasma infection can lead to other complications . That's why it's important to seek medical advice if you have symptoms.
- Asthma attacks
- Accumulation of pus in the lining of the lungs (Empyema)
- Encephalitis (brain infection) (this is very rare)
- Hemolytic anemia due to the destruction of red blood cells
- Kidney problems
- Pleural effusion (fluid accumulation between the lungs and chest)
- Severe pneumonia
- Some skin diseases, for example, severe conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome .
Don't be afraid to hear these things. Not everyone develops these things. But it's important to be aware.
How do doctors diagnose mycoplasma infections?
When you go to see a doctor, he or she will first ask you about your symptoms . He or she will ask you about your medical history , your environment, and whether you go to crowded places. Then he or she will do a physical exam .
A chest X-ray may be ordered to confirm a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Sometimes other imaging tests, such as a CT scan, may also be needed.
Tests to diagnose mycoplasma infections
There are various laboratory tests that can help diagnose or confirm a mycoplasma infection.
- PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction test): This involves taking a sample of secretions, usually from the nose or throat (swab), and checking for the genetic material of the Mycoplasma bacteria.
- Serology test: This involves taking a sample of your blood and checking it for antibodies that your immune system produces against the mycoplasma infection.
- Coombs test: This checks for antibodies that can damage your red blood cells.
How is mycoplasma treated?
Some mycoplasma infections go away on their own without any treatment , especially if you have very mild symptoms. If you have a stuffy nose or cough, you can take over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help control your symptoms.
However, if you think the infection is severe, or if your symptoms are not improving, you should definitely see a doctor for advice . He or she can prescribe an appropriate antibiotic to kill the bacteria.
Remember how we said earlier that regular antibiotics don't work against mycoplasma? That's why doctors use a special class of antibiotics for this. Macrolide antibiotics are effective. Examples:
- Azithromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin
Alternatively, you may be given a tetracycline antibiotic, such as doxycycline . If you are immunocompromised, your doctor may also prescribe a fluoroquinolone , such as levofloxacin .
How quickly will I recover after treatment?
Once you start antibiotics, your symptoms usually start to improve within two to three days. However, respiratory infections can take several weeks to fully clear up. If you've finished the course of antibiotics and are still having difficulty, or if your symptoms are still present, see your doctor again.
What time should I see a doctor?
If you continue to have symptoms like cough and fever, or if symptoms like wheezing increase, be sure to see a doctor for treatment .
If you have severe difficulty breathing, or a high fever that doesn't go down for several days, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. This is very important.
Can Mycoplasma infections be prevented?
There is no vaccine yet to prevent mycoplasma infections. And the bacteria are highly contagious. However, you can protect yourself and others from this bacteria by doing these simple things:
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Follow good hygiene practices. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly.
- Stay home if you are sick. If you go out, wear a mask to prevent infecting others.
- Take the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor exactly and on time.
What happens if I get a mycoplasma infection?
Infections caused by Mycoplasma bacteria can vary, depending on the type of Mycoplasma you have and where in your body the infection is.
Your doctor will probably do a test to find out what type of bacteria is causing your infection. You should start to feel better within a few days of starting treatment. Some symptoms may last for a while after treatment ends, but they should go away within a few weeks. For example, a cough caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae may last for several weeks after antibiotics are finished.
How long does a mycoplasma infection last?
If you take antibiotics, your symptoms will start to improve within two to three days. However, in the case of a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, your cough may persist for several weeks after the course of antibiotics is finished.
Summary: Things we need to remember
Okay, so mycoplasma is a highly contagious bacteria that can cause bacterial infections. Although most of the time this condition is not serious, it's important to pay attention to your symptoms.
If any of your symptoms persist or seem to be getting worse, be sure to see a doctor. He or she can prescribe a special antibiotic that can kill these types of bacteria, which do not have cell walls. You may need to try another type of medication if one doesn't work. But, you should get better soon.
Remember, staying healthy is the most important thing. So take care of your body.
` Mycoplasma, bacterial infections, respiratory system, pneumonia, walking pneumonia, antibiotics, symptoms
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