Mycoplasma infection

Last updated: Thursday, 23, December, 2010
PresentationsAppropriate Tests

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies; cold agglutinins.

Myringitis (bullous)

Acute bronchitis

Pneumonia

Sputum microscopy and culture to exclude other pathogens.

Myocarditis

Vascular complications

  • Cold-related digital vasospasm

Autoimmune haemolysis

FBC, blood film, reticulocyte count; cold agglutinins, direct antiglobulin test.

Mycoplasma hominis

Non-gonococcal urethritis

The role of M. hominis in disease of the genital tract infection is being questioned as the role of M. genitalium has become better appreciated

Wound infection

  • Sternotomy

Wound swab microscopy and culture with special request for mycoplasma culture.

Endocarditis

M. hominis should be considered in any culture-negative endocarditis.

Special blood culture - consult pathologist.

Septicaemia

Mycoplasma genitalium

Non-gonococcal urethritis

M. genitalium is recognised as a cause of acute and chronic urethritis in males. Its role in disease of the female genital tract is yet to be clearly defined.