What is mycoplasma infection?

Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 05, 2024
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What is Mycoplasma Infection? Mycoplasma infection is a contagious disease caused by the infection of the human body by mycoplasma. Currently, the mycoplasmas known to be pathogenic to humans include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma hominis. Clinically, Mycoplasma pneumoniae primarily causes mycoplasmal pneumonia, which is an acute upper respiratory tract infection. Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis can cause infections in the reproductive and urinary systems. Generally, the incubation period for mycoplasma infections is quite long, ranging from 2 to 3 weeks. Mycoplasmal pneumonia is more common in the winter. Genital mycoplasma infections are mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Newborns can become infected during childbirth through the mother's reproductive tract. In adults, the site of infection is the urethral mucosa in males and the cervix in females.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Can mycoplasma infection cause coughing?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is a relatively common clinical condition that can cause acute bronchitis and pneumonia. The main symptoms after infection are fever and cough. The cough is generally spasmodic and irritating, and there is usually not much phlegm. Some patients may experience severe coughing, characterized as intense coughing, which can last two to three weeks or even longer. Therefore, mycoplasma infection does cause coughing. Once coughing symptoms occur, it is crucial to actively cooperate with the doctor's medication, such as using sensitive antibiotics for treatment, coupled with cough suppressants to alleviate symptoms, shorten the course of the disease, and relieve pain.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How is mycoplasma infection treated?

Mycoplasma infection is clinically treated by using antibacterial drugs orally or intravenously to eradicate the mycoplasma. The most commonly used drugs are macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin. Usually, choosing one of these is sufficient. Additionally, treatment should be based on the location of the infection and the specific symptoms of the patient. If the infection affects the respiratory system and causes symptoms like coughing and expectoration, medications to thin the mucus should be selected. Also, treatments to reduce fever and alleviate symptoms should be administered.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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How is mycoplasma infection treated?

After Mycoplasma infects the human body, it often causes mycoplasma pneumonia, with symptoms such as fever and cough. Most cases of mycoplasma pneumonia infection are self-limiting, meaning many patients can recover without medication. If medication is used, macrolides or fluoroquinolones are typically chosen, with a treatment duration of about two to three weeks. Additionally, symptomatic treatment drugs can be used, such as antipyretic analgesics for fever and cough suppressants for cough.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Is Mycoplasma infection in children contagious?

Is mycoplasma infection in children contagious? Mycoplasma infection is a type of respiratory pathogen. It is generally transmitted through coughing and sneezing, directly via the upper respiratory tract, and can be contagious through close contact at short distances. Therefore, mycoplasma is contagious and has infectious properties. However, it is not classified as a communicable disease and its infectiousness is relatively weak compared to others. It is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract, and everyday activities such as drinking and eating do not spread the infection.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Mycoplasma infection cough symptoms

After a mycoplasma infection in the human respiratory system, it can cause diseases such as pharyngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Coughing is a relatively obvious symptom after becoming ill. Under natural conditions, the coughing symptoms of pneumonia and mycoplasma pneumonia may continue for three to four weeks before gradually easing. However, if treated with medication, such as using macrolides or fluoroquinolones, the cough symptoms can generally be controlled within two to three weeks. Therefore, it is generally best to treat mycoplasma infections with medications, as this can shorten the duration of the illness, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the suffering of the patient. (Specific medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)