Mycoplasma Pneumoniae

WHAT IS IT?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae does not have a cell wall and will not show up on gram stain. Sputum cultures will typically have a “fried egg” (a useful buzzword to know!)

"Fried egg" appearance of mycoplasma colony that is characteristic of this pathogen (source)
“Fried egg” appearance of mycoplasma colony that is characteristic of this pathogen (source)
CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS

Eaton agar is used to culture this pathogen. It requires cholesterol in its culture medium (with Eaton agar contains).

*It should be kept in mind that PCR testing for this pathogen can be sensitive/specific 

MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS

This pathogen lacks a cell wall. Only has a phospholipid bilayer. 

Shared antigens with human erythrocytes: when the body mounts an immune response it will cause destruction of red blood cells as well. 

TRANSMISSION

Respiratory droplets.

CONDITIONS CAUSED

Respiratory: Mycoplasma pneumonia (most common cause of atypical pneumonia)

Dermatological: erythema multiforme

Hematological: cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia

TREATMENT

Tetracyclines such as doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline are used to treat this pathogen.

Macrolides such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin.

Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, lamefloxacin, and oflaxacin

OTHER HY FACTS

Because this pathogen does not have a cell wall, antibiotics that target cell wall integrity (such as penicillin, or cephalosporins) are ineffective. For the same reason antibiotics that target the ribosome  are effective.

Patients with infection can have hight titer of IgM (which are the antibodies that are referred to as “cold agglutinins” which can cause the cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia)

Frequent outbreaks in military recruits, dorms, and prisons! 

 

Page Updated: 05.02.2016