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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma
Published on: June 20, 2011
The clinical spectrum and diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection
Abstract:
The clinical, radiographic and microbiological data of 47 patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection admitted to three Norfolk hospitals during a 20-month period between 1982 and 1983 have been reviewed. Thirty-nine presented with pneumonia and eight with non-pulmonary infection. The M. pneumoniae specific IgM test was positive in 42 of 45 patients tested (89 per cent); in 39 the levels were diagnostic on admission. Cold agglutinins were detected in 27 (57 per cent) and a fourfold rise in complement fixation titre was demonstrated in 13 (29 per cent). Sputum culture was positive in 12 (26 per cent). The extrapulmonary manifestations observed were haemolytic anaemia (17 per cent), Stevens Johnson syndrome (4.1 per cent), neurological abnormalities (4.1 per cent), arthritis (2.1 per cent), hepatitis (2.1 per cent) and pericarditis (2.1 per cent). One patient with multilobe pneumonia, pericardial effusion and haemolytic anaemia died. Six patients presented with a history of illness longer than a month; in three the clinical and radiographic picture suggested chronic disease (pulmonary tuberculosis, lymphoma and unresolving pneumonia). There were no distinctive clinical or radiographic features of M. pneumoniae infection. Diagnosis, therefore, relies on serological tests of which the most useful is the rapid, specific IgM test, positive in 86 per cent of the admission sera.
Insights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections often present without distinct clinical or radiographic signs. Diagnosis relies on serological tests, with the rapid Mycoplasma pneumoniae specific IgM test being the most effective for early detection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of respiratory infections, including pneumonia.
- Extrapulmonary manifestations can occur, complicating diagnosis and management.
- Diagnostic challenges exist due to non-specific clinical and radiographic presentations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical, radiographic, and microbiological data of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
- To evaluate the utility of various diagnostic tests, particularly serological methods.
- To identify common extrapulmonary manifestations associated with M. pneumoniae.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 47 patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
- Analysis of clinical, radiographic, and microbiological data, including serological tests (IgM, cold agglutinins, complement fixation) and sputum cultures.
- Documentation of extrapulmonary manifestations and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae specific IgM test was positive in 89% of tested patients, with 86% diagnostic on admission.
- Cold agglutinins detected in 57%, and complement fixation rise in 29%; sputum culture positive in 26%.
- Observed extrapulmonary manifestations included hemolytic anemia (17%), Stevens Johnson syndrome (4.1%), neurological abnormalities (4.1%), arthritis (2.1%), hepatitis (2.1%), and pericarditis (2.1%).
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections lack distinctive clinical or radiographic features.
- The rapid Mycoplasma pneumoniae specific IgM test is the most valuable diagnostic tool.
- Serological testing is crucial for accurate and timely diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infections.
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