Mycoplasma Pneumoniae

Exam Cram

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae organism causes an 'atypical' pneumonia'

• Presentation: young male, dry cough, febrile, erythema multiforme

• Diagnosis: serology

• Management: doxycycline or macrolide

Outline

Background

• During war times, mycoplasma pneumoniae was referred to as the 'walking man's pneumonia' due to its often mild and subacute nature

Assessment

History

• Young male soldier with sick respiratory contacts

• Dry cough, lethargy for 1-2 weeks

Examination

• Respiratory consolidation/ wheeze

• Erythema multiforme

Investigations

• CXR: focal consolidation

• Mycoplasma blood serology

• CRP/ WCC rise

• Cold agglutin 50%

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria: positive mycoplasma serology + symptomatic

Differentials: Legionella, listeria & Chlamydia pneumonia

Management

1. Doxycycline

2. Macrolide

Med Reg Notes

Complications

Haemolytic Anaemia cold: macrocytic, reticulocytosis, raised LDH

Resources and References

1. https://www.cdc.gov/mycoplasma/about/index.html

Written in 2025