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Highlights & Basics
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes community-acquired pneumonia and upper respiratory illness.
- Infection is often seen in close community settings, such as schools, army bases, colleges, nursing homes, and hospitals.
- Diagnosis of infection is usually made clinically; nucleic acid amplification tests (e.g., polymerase chain reaction), culture, or serology are required in hospitalized patients and those with severe disease to confirm M pneumoniae as the infecting pathogen. Limitations of serology include the possibility of false-positive results.
- A macrolide or tetracycline antibiotic is usually effective as first-line treatment of mycoplasma infections in both uncomplicated and more severe community-acquired pneumonia.
- Fluoroquinolones may be effective as second-line treatment if previous antibiotics fail.
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Citations
British Thoracic Society. BTS guidelines for the management of community acquired pneumonia in adults: update 2009. Jan 2015 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Metlay JP, Waterer GW, Long AC, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of adults with community-acquired pneumonia. An official clinical practice guideline of the American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2019 Oct 1;200(7):e45-67.[Abstract][Full Text]
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50. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA advises restricting fluoroquinolone antibiotic use for certain uncomplicated infections; warns about disabling side effects that can occur together. Mar 2018 [internet publication]. [Full Text]
51. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns about increased risk of ruptures or tears in the aorta blood vessel with fluoroquinolone antibiotics in certain patients. Dec 2018 [internet publication]. [Full Text]
52. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA reinforces safety information about serious low blood sugar levels and mental health side effects with fluoroquinolone antibiotics; requires label changes. Jul 2018 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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