Description Mycoplasma is a uni...
Description
Mycoplasma is a unique type of bacteria that is extremely small and, similar to a virus, lacks a cell wall. The bacteria can cause a sore throat, ear infection and can involve the lungs (pneumonia). Spread of infection is usually through close person-to-person contact. Symptoms usually start 10 – 14 days after contact and may be prolonged, lasting several weeks. Infections can occur at any time of year.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the part of the body infected. Symptoms may include fever, runny nose, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, cough (usually without sputum) and ear pain.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. Blood and possibly imaging tests may be performed depending on the symptoms. Ultimately, the diagnosis will be made based on specific blood tests or cultures.
Tests:
Blood culture, Complete blood count (CBC), Serologic Tests, Sputum culture, throat culture, Chest X-ray, Cold agglutinins
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. Blood and possibly imaging tests may be performed depending on the symptoms. Ultimately, the diagnosis will be made based on specific blood tests or cultures.
Tests:
Blood culture, Complete blood count (CBC), Serologic Tests, Sputum culture, throat culture, Chest X-ray, Cold agglutinins
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Treatment is usually with a single antibiotic and hospitalization is rare. The duration of treatment may vary from a 5 to 21 day course of antibiotics depending on the location and extent of infection. Cough suppressants, analgesics and anti-fever medications are often used as well.