The difference between Mycoplasma pneumonia and Chlamydia pneumonia

Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

Updated on March 28, 2025

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Mycoplasma pneumonia and Chlamydia pneumonia are clinically similar, making them difficult to distinguish from each other as both have similar symptoms and treatment options. Treatments such as erythromycin and quinolones can be used for both. The main difference between them lies in the laboratory tests. If tests for pneumonia, Mycoplasma antibodies or antigens are positive, then it is diagnosed as Mycoplasma pneumonia. If tests for Chlamydia pneumonia antibodies are positive, or if a throat swab test detects Chlamydia, then it is diagnosed as Chlamydia pneumonia.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

1min 18sec

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The function of the pneumonia vaccine

Pneumonia vaccines are generally aimed at preventing infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. There are two common types of vaccines: the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine, which is suitable for high-risk populations over two years old, and the 7-valent or 13-valent conjugate vaccines, which are mainly used for vaccinating infants under two years of age. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common and widespread bacterium causing pneumonia, and pneumonia caused by this bacterium is also the most prevalent worldwide. It is also the most significant pathogen in community-acquired pneumonia in children and a major cause of otitis media, meningitis, and bacteremia in children. The pneumonia vaccines mainly target common serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, such as the 7-valent or 13-valent, designed to prevent infections from seven or thirteen serotypes, respectively, while the 23-valent vaccine aims to prevent infections from 23 serotypes. These pneumonia vaccines play a significant protective role in preventing infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, however, they cannot prevent all cases of pneumonia.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu

Pulmonology

57sec

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What department should I go to for pneumonia?

Pneumonia, as the name suggests, is inflammation of the lungs and belongs to the category of respiratory diseases. Therefore, the primary department to consult is Respiratory Medicine. In places where there is no Respiratory Medicine department, such as community health service centers or township health clinics, patients would have to consult the general internal medicine department instead. Of course, if the symptoms of pneumonia are severe and the condition is critical, and it happens outside of regular outpatient hours, then the patient must be seen by the emergency medicine department. The emergency medicine department will manage and triage pneumonia patients, and then decide their next steps, such as whether to transfer them to the ICU, a regular Respiratory Medicine department, or keep them for observation in the emergency department.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

59sec

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How many shots are in the pneumonia vaccine?

Currently, there are two general types of vaccines for preventing pneumococcal pneumonia. One type is the 23-valent vaccine, suitable for high-risk populations over two years old. The other type includes the 7-valent or 13-valent vaccines, which are for preventing pneumococcal infections in infants under two years old. Infants under two usually follow a "three plus one" vaccination regimen, which involves three primary immunization doses with at least one month between each dose, followed by a booster shot. Additionally, adults over two years old or other high-risk groups are advised to take the 23-valent vaccine, which requires only a single dose. However, those who are frail or have poor immune responses may need a second booster dose five years after the initial vaccination.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

52sec

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How to take care of children with pneumonia

Children with pneumonia need comprehensive and general treatment, and care should be mindful of the following: First, indoor air should be circulated, with a temperature of 18~20°C and humidity at about 60%. Second, provide a nutrition-rich diet. For severe cases where the child has difficulty eating, parenteral nutrition can be given. Third, frequently change the child's position to reduce pulmonary congestion and facilitate the absorption of inflammation. Fourth, pay attention to isolation to prevent cross-infection. Additionally, it is important to monitor and supplement electrolytes and fluids, correct acidosis and electrolyte imbalances. Appropriately supplementing fluids helps moisten the airways, but care should be taken with the speed of fluid administration, as too fast a rate can increase the burden on the heart.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu

Pulmonology

1min 24sec

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Can pneumonia vaccines prevent mycoplasma pneumonia?

Can pneumonia vaccines prevent Mycoplasma infections? First, we need to understand what pneumonia vaccines are. In our country, the most commonly used pneumonia vaccines are aimed at Streptococcus pneumoniae, which are divided into polysaccharide vaccines and conjugate vaccines. Polysaccharide vaccines are mainly suitable for individuals over two years old and include the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine. This vaccine can prevent infections caused by twenty-three serotypes that often lead to S. pneumoniae infections, with over 90% of pneumonia caused by these twenty-three serotypes. However, the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine does not prevent infections caused by other serotypes of S. pneumoniae. Additionally, the conjugate vaccine only prevents infections caused by either seven or thirteen serotypes. Since Mycoplasma is neither a bacterium nor a virus, it cannot be prevented by pneumonia vaccines, and currently, there is no vaccine available specifically for Mycoplasma infections.