Mycoplasma pneumoniae represents a tiny in its size bacterium that belongs to the class Mollicutes. The organisms adherent to this class have a peculiar feature: they do not have a peptidoglycan cell wall that is common for all other firmicute bacteria. At the same time Mycoplasma pneumoniae possesses a three layer cell membrane that includes cholesterol compounds, resembling eukaryotic cells. Since the organisms do not have a cell wall, they are not prone to the influence of penicillins and other beta-lactam antibiotics that are known for their ability to damage and eliminate the bacterial cell wall. Read more...
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infections
There are special tests that represent quantitative and qualitative immunoassays conducted with the purpose of identifying human antibodies that are directed against Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This helps to define immunoglobulin classes individuals possess. This, in turn, gives necessary information about exposure to pathogen and disease state. Read more...
Mycoplasma pneumoniae: general information
It is known that Mycoplasma pneumoniae very often leads to community-acquired pneumonia. In fact, the development of the disease is lengthy and gradual. Read more...
Immune response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Mycoplasma pneumoniae has protein as well as glycolipid antigens that provoke antibody responses in those who are affected by the infection. One of the most common aims pursued by many antibodies generated by the host in response to the Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is P1 protein. After an initial infection the immune system starts quickly generating antibodies. The peak comes in 3 to 6 weeks time. Then a decline is observed that can last for months and even years. Since the incubation period is rather longish, the response to antibodies can be observed when the symptoms reveal themselves. Read more...
How to treat infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae?
It is strange enough that in order to cure a mycoplasma infection caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae one should do it via his own immune response, particularly the complement system. It is known that B-lactam antibiotics are helpless and useless in this situation. It is connected with the fact that B-lactams, similar to penicillin, perform their actions only on the cell wall, which is absent in Mycoplasma pneumoniae. However, polyene antibiotics that help to combat cholesterols in the membrane of mycoplasma, can also prove effective in the fight against the plasma membrane of the host cells. Read more...
BE INFORMED ABOUT PNEUMONIA!
Mycoplasma pneumonia is a respiratory lung infection which is caused by a bacteria of the same name, Mycoplasma pneumoniae or M. pneumoniae. It is also recognized as atypical pneumonia or walking pneumonia. Read more...