Mycoplasma Pneumoniae: Characteristics, Conditions, Pathogenesis

Abstract

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the primary bacterium of the genus
Mycoplasma. This species is responsible for causing more than 2
million infections each year in the United States. While infectious
mycoplasma pneumoniae is a highly contagious disease, only 3 to
10% of infected people develop symptoms according to
bronchopneumonia. However, in most cases it presents with mild
clinical manifestations such as pharyngitis, trichomoniasis,
bronchiolitis, and croup, while others are asymptomatic. Infection
with this bacterium can occur throughout the year, but is most
common in late autumn and winter. The infection can appear at any
age, but the most sensitive age groups are children over 5 years old,
adolescents and young adults. For reasons that are still unknown,
children under 3 years of age have an increased risk of respiratory
infections, while older children and adults are more likely to get
pneumonia.