Causes “walking pneumonia” (relatively slow progression of symptoms).
Spread through respiratory droplet transmission (attachment sites include: upper and lower respiratory tract, causing pharyngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia).
The infection is called atypical pneumonia because of its protracted course and lack of sputum production and wealth of extra-pulmonary symptoms.
Chronic mycoplasma infections have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatological diseases.
Therapy:
Important considerations: The choice of an agent should be based on local antimicrobial sensitivities, site of infection, cost, and comorbid conditions. Generally, the most common agents/regimens are listed first. Adjust length of therapy based on clinical course.
Doxycycline 100mg orally or IV twice daily x 7-10 days
Azithromycin 500mg orally x 1 then 250mg once daily for 4 days
