Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Quick Summary
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium that belongs to the genus Mycoplasma. These bacteria are among the smallest known, lacking cell walls and varying in shape from spherical to filamentous.1
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia, particularly in school-aged children and young adults. This type of pneumonia often presents with mild symptoms like a nonproductive cough and fever, with characteristic patchy shadows on chest X-rays. While typically not life-threatening, it can spread easily in close-knit communities like schools and military camps. Mycoplasma species are parasites that can cause damage to host tissues through excreted toxic byproducts.21
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
pneumoniaBacterial pneumoniaMycoplasmal pneumonia, caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, an extremely small organism, usually affects children and young adults; few cases beyond age 50 are seen. Most outbreaks of this disease are confined to families, small neighbourhoods, or institutions, although epidemics can occur. M. pneumoniae grows on the mucous membrane that lines…
Read MoreMycoplasmal pneumonia, caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, an extremely small organism, usually affects children and young adults; few cases beyond age 50 are seen. Most outbreaks of this disease are confined to families, small neighbourhoods, or institutions, although epidemics can occur. M. pneumoniae grows on the mucous membrane that lines…
Read More
respiratory diseasePneumoniaMycoplasma pneumoniae is the single most common cause of pneumonia in school-age children and young adults. The infection produces soft patchy shadows on the chest radiograph and relatively few signs on physical examination. A nonproductive cough and a fever occur for a few days. Familial…
Read MoreMycoplasma pneumoniae is the single most common cause of pneumonia in school-age children and young adults. The infection produces soft patchy shadows on the chest radiograph and relatively few signs on physical examination. A nonproductive cough and a fever occur for a few days. Familial…
Read More