Description

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an important respiratory tract pathogen. Several syndromes have been associated with the infection including pharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, pneumonia, and inflammation of the tympanic membrane presenting as bullous myringitis. M pneumoniae accounts for approximately 20% of all cases of pneumonia. Classically, it causes a disease that has been described as primary atypical pneumonia. The disease is of insidious onset with fever, headache, and malaise for 2 to 4 days before the onset of respiratory symptoms. Most cases do not require hospitalization. Symptomatic infections attributable to this organism most commonly occur in children and young adults (ages 2-19 years).

Pre-Information

No specific preparation required