Understanding Mycoplasma: How It Affects the Body

Understanding Mycoplasma: How It Affects the Body
Mycoplasma infections can mimic common illnesses like colds or bronchitis but may require specific testing for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Understanding this bacteriacan help you stay informed about potential health risks and ensure you get the right care when needed.
Mycoplasma is a group of tiny bacteria that can cause infections in different parts of the body. Unlike most bacteria, they lack a tough outer shell that protects the bacteria and gives it shape (called a cell wall).
Without this shell, Mycoplasma can change its shape and is harder to treat with certain antibiotics that target the cell wall. There are two common species of Mycoplasma that affect humans: Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae
M. pneumoniae primarily causes respiratory infections, such as chest colds (tracheobronchitis) and pneumonia, often referred to as “walking pneumonia.” It damages the lining of the throat, windpipe, and lungs, leading to symptoms like a sore throat, fever, cough, and fatigue. Children may also experience runny noses or wheezing.
The bacteria spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In crowded places like schools or dorms, the risk of spreading increases. Most infections are mild and resolve without treatment, but antibiotics may be needed for more severe cases.

Mycoplasma genitalium
This type of Mycoplasma affects the reproductive system and can cause inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) in men and inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) or pelvic inflammatory disease in women.
It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to symptoms like genital discomfort or discharge, though many people remain asymptomatic. Because M. genitalium is resistant to some common antibiotics, treatment requires specialized approaches guided by resistance testing.

Protecting Yourself
Good hygiene, such as washing your hands and covering your mouth when coughing, can reduce the spread of M. pneumoniae. For M. genitalium, practicing safe sex and regular STI testing are key preventative measures.
If you have persistent symptoms affecting your lungs or reproductive system, consult a healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. For more detailed information, visit the CDC’s pages on Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium.
REFERENCES
¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 17). About Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/mycoplasma/about/index.html.
² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, November 30). About Mycoplasma genitalium. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/mgen/about/index.html.