What to Know About Mycoplasma and the Infections It Can Cause

Mycoplasma is not like most bacteria. It has no cell wall, which makes it unusually flexible, harder to detect in some situations, and naturally resistant to certain common antibiotics that target bacterial cell walls. This small difference matters because it affects how mycoplasma infections behave, how they spread, and how doctors choose treatment.

One of the best-known types is Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a cause of respiratory infections often linked with “walking pneumonia.” The name fits because symptoms can be mild enough for a person to keep going to work or school, even while coughing, feeling tired, or spreading germs to others. In some people, though, the illness can become more uncomfortable, with fever, sore throat, chest tightness, headache, and a cough that lingers for weeks.

Mycoplasma can also be involved in infections outside the lungs. Some types may affect the urinary or genital tract, and symptoms can include burning during urination, pelvic discomfort, unusual discharge, or irritation. In certain cases, people may carry the bacteria with few or no symptoms, which makes diagnosis less obvious.

What makes mycoplasma important is its quiet persistence. It may not always cause severe illness, but it can be frustrating, contagious, and easy to mistake for other infections. This article explains what to know about mycoplasma and the infections it can cause, including common symptoms, how it spreads, when testing may be needed, and why the right treatment matters.

What is Mycoplasma and How Does It Cause Infection?

Mycoplasma is a genus of bacteria distinguished by its lack of a cell wall, which allows it to infect host organisms by adhering to cell surfaces and causing localized damage and inflammation without deep tissue invasion. This unique biological feature underpins its entire pathogenic strategy, influencing its shape, its resistance to certain antibiotics, and its method of causing disease.

The infection process begins when the bacterium makes contact with epithelial cells, typically in the respiratory or urogenital tract. Using a specialized attachment organelle, it latches on tightly to the host cell membrane.

Once anchored, it doesn’t need to enter the cell; instead, it releases various metabolic byproducts and toxins that directly damage the cell surface, impair cellular function, and trigger a significant inflammatory response from the host’s immune system. This sustained inflammation is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with Mycoplasma infections.

What Defines Mycoplasma as a Unique Bacterium?

Mycoplasma is defined as a unique bacterium primarily by three key features: the complete absence of a rigid peptidoglycan cell wall, its extremely small size and genome, and its resulting pleomorphic (variable) shape. These characteristics collectively set it apart from nearly all other bacteria and are central to its ability to cause persistent, difficult-to-treat infections.

The most critical of these is its lack of a cell wall. Most bacteria are encased in a strong, protective layer of peptidoglycan, which provides structural integrity and maintains a consistent shape (e.g., rod, sphere). Mycoplasma lacks this layer entirely, possessing only a flexible, triple-layered cell membrane.

This has profound implications, most notably rendering it naturally resistant to an entire class of widely used antibiotics, the beta-lactams, which include penicillins and cephalosporins. These drugs work by inhibiting the synthesis of the cell wall, and since Mycoplasma has no cell wall to target, these antibiotics are completely ineffective.

More specifically, mycoplasmas are among the smallest known free-living bacteria, with some species measuring only 0.2 to 0.3 micrometers in diameter. Their genomes are also exceptionally small, a result of reductive evolution where they shed genes for metabolic pathways they no longer needed, instead relying on their host for many essential nutrients. This parasitic or commensal lifestyle is a direct consequence of their simplified genetic makeup. Their small size allows them to pass through filters that would typically trap other bacteria, a feature that complicated their initial discovery.

Without a rigid cell wall to dictate its form, Mycoplasma is pleomorphic, meaning it can take on a variety of shapes, from spherical or pear-like to filamentous. This flexibility allows it to squeeze into tight spaces and may help it evade certain components of the host immune system. The flexible membrane also facilitates the close contact needed for it to attach to and draw nutrients from host cells.

Due to their limited biosynthetic capabilities, mycoplasmas are heavily dependent on their hosts for survival. They require cholesterol and fatty acids from the host cell membranes to build their own membranes, a feature unique among prokaryotes. This obligate parasitism is the reason they are always found in association with a host organism.

How Does Mycoplasma Sttach to and Damage Host Cells?

Mycoplasma attaches to host cells using a specialized, protein-based attachment organelle and subsequently damages them by releasing toxic metabolic byproducts that cause oxidative stress and trigger a robust inflammatory response. This process of pathogenesis is characterized by surface-level interaction rather than deep cellular invasion.

The entire infection hinges on the bacterium’s ability to establish and maintain intimate contact with the host’s epithelial cells, which line the respiratory and urogenital tracts. The first and most critical step is adherence. Species like Mycoplasma pneumoniae have a highly specialized structure at one end of the bacterium known as a terminal attachment organelle.

This organelle is tipped with adhesin proteins, most notably the P1 adhesin, which acts like a key to bind specifically to sialic acid receptors on the surface of epithelial cells. This binding is incredibly strong and allows the bacteria to colonize the host tissue despite cleansing mechanisms like the flow of mucus.

Once firmly attached, Mycoplasma begins to inflict damage through several mechanisms, all occurring while it remains on the cell surface. In the respiratory tract, M. pneumoniae is particularly damaging to ciliated epithelial cells. These cells are lined with cilia, tiny hair-like structures that beat in unison to move mucus and trapped debris out of the lungs. The bacterium releases hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals, which are byproducts of its metabolism.

These reactive oxygen species create oxidative stress that damages the cilia, causing them to stop beating (ciliostasis) and eventually leading to the shedding of the ciliated cells altogether. This cripples the lung’s primary defense mechanism, leading to the accumulation of mucus and debris, which contributes to the characteristic persistent cough of Mycoplasma pneumonia.

By adhering so closely, Mycoplasma effectively leaches essential nutrients, like amino acids and cholesterol, directly from the host cell. This depletes the host cell’s resources and can disrupt the integrity of its membrane, leading to cellular dysfunction and eventual cell death (apoptosis). The bacterium incorporates host-derived cholesterol into its own membrane, further blurring the line between itself and the host cell, which may help it evade immune detection.

The cellular damage and the presence of bacterial lipoproteins on the Mycoplasma surface trigger a powerful immune response. The host’s immune cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). While this response is intended to clear the infection, the persistent nature of Mycoplasma colonization leads to chronic inflammation. It is this prolonged inflammatory cascade, rather than direct bacterial invasion, that is responsible for the majority of the tissue damage and the clinical symptoms of the disease, including sore throat, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Common Infections Caused by Mycoplasma

The common infections caused by Mycoplasma are primarily categorized into two groups based on the affected organ system: respiratory illnesses, predominantly caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and urogenital infections, linked mainly to Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma species. Although there are over 200 known species of Mycoplasma, only a handful are recognized as significant human pathogens.

These bacteria have evolved to colonize specific mucosal surfaces in the body, leading to distinct clinical syndromes. M. pneumoniae is a major cause of community-acquired respiratory infections worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages but being particularly common in school-aged children and young adults.

In contrast, infections caused by M. genitalium, M. hominis, and Ureaplasma species are typically associated with the genitourinary tract and are often transmitted through sexual contact, leading to a range of conditions that can impact reproductive health.

Primary Respiratory Illnesses Caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae

The primary respiratory illnesses caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae include atypical pneumonia (commonly known as “walking pneumonia”), tracheobronchitis, and pharyngitis. This bacterium is a leading cause of community-acquired respiratory tract infections, responsible for an estimated 15-20% of all cases of pneumonia.

The spectrum of illness can range from mild, upper respiratory symptoms to more severe, lower respiratory disease. The most well-known condition associated with this pathogen is atypical pneumonia. Unlike typical pneumonia caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, which often presents with sudden, severe symptoms like high fever, chills, and a productive cough, atypical pneumonia has a more gradual onset.

Patients often experience a low-grade fever, malaise, headache, and a persistent, hacking, dry cough that can last for several weeks or even months. It is dubbed walking pneumonia because individuals are often not sick enough to require bed rest or hospitalization and can continue with their daily activities, albeit while feeling unwell.

Beyond pneumonia, M. pneumoniae is also a very common cause of less severe respiratory conditions. Tracheobronchitis is the most frequent clinical presentation of M. pneumoniae infection, accounting for a majority of cases. It involves inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and the bronchi (the large airways of the lungs).

The primary symptom is a severe and persistent cough, which may initially be dry but can later produce small amounts of sputum. Other symptoms include sore throat, headache, and fever. In many instances, the infection is self-limiting, but the cough can linger long after other symptoms have resolved, reflecting the slow recovery of the damaged ciliated cells in the airways.

M. pneumoniae can also cause inflammation of the pharynx, leading to a sore throat. This symptom often precedes the development of the more characteristic cough associated with bronchitis or pneumonia. While many viruses and other bacteria (like Streptococcus pyogenes) cause pharyngitis, Mycoplasma should be considered in cases where a sore throat is accompanied by a persistent lower respiratory cough.

Although less common, M. pneumoniae infections can lead to complications outside the respiratory tract. These can include skin rashes (such as erythema multiforme), joint pain, hemolytic anemia, and, in rare, severe cases, neurological conditions like encephalitis or meningitis. These systemic issues are thought to be caused by the body’s widespread inflammatory response to the infection rather than the direct spread of the bacteria to these organs.

Main Urogenital Infections Linked to Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma Species

The main urogenital infections linked to Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma species include non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in men, as well as cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. These microorganisms are increasingly recognized as significant sexually transmitted pathogens that can cause acute symptoms and long-term reproductive health consequences.

Mycoplasma genitalium, in particular, has emerged as a major cause of urogenital disease worldwide. It is a challenging pathogen to diagnose and treat, partly due to growing antibiotic resistance. In men, M. genitalium is a primary cause of non-gonococcal urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra not caused by the gonorrhea bacterium.

Symptoms typically include a watery or milky discharge from the penis, a burning sensation during urination (dysuria), and sometimes testicular pain. However, a significant number of men with the infection may be asymptomatic, allowing them to unknowingly transmit it to their partners.

In women, the consequences of urogenital mycoplasma infections can be more severe and widespread. M. genitalium is a well-established cause of cervicitis, which is inflammation of the cervix. Symptoms can include changes in vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, and intermenstrual or post-coital bleeding. Much like in men, many women with cervicitis caused by M. genitalium may not experience any symptoms, making routine screening in high-risk populations important for detection.

If left untreated, infections like cervicitis can ascend from the lower genital tract to the upper reproductive organs, causing PID. This is a serious condition involving inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries. PID can lead to severe complications, including chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy (a life-threatening condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus), and tubal-factor infertility. M. genitalium is now recognized as a leading cause of PID, rivaling other well-known pathogens like Chlamydia trachomatis.

Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum are also commonly found in the urogenital tract. While they can be part of the normal flora, they are also opportunistic pathogens implicated in NGU, prostatitis in men, and bacterial vaginosis in women.

Furthermore, Ureaplasma species have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the fetal membranes). They have also been linked to respiratory disease and meningitis in newborns who acquire the infection from their mothers during birth.

Symptoms of a Mycoplasma Infection

The symptoms of a Mycoplasma infection are highly variable and depend on the specific species and the location of the infection, but they generally manifest as respiratory issues like a persistent cough for M. pneumoniae or systemic signs like profound fatigue and low-grade fever.

Unlike some bacterial infections that produce acute, severe symptoms, Mycoplasma infections often have a subacute onset, with signs developing gradually over one to four weeks after exposure. The presentation can be misleading, often mimicking viral illnesses, which can delay correct diagnosis and treatment. The most common pathogen, M. pneumoniae, primarily causes respiratory symptoms due to its colonization of the airways.

However, the body’s systemic inflammatory response can lead to a range of non-respiratory symptoms affecting the skin, joints, and nervous system. For urogenital mycoplasmas, symptoms are localized to the genital tract but can also be absent entirely, leading to asymptomatic transmission.

Typical Respiratory Symptoms of a Mycoplasma Infection

The typical respiratory symptoms of a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection are centered around a persistent, hacking cough, often accompanied by a low-grade fever, sore throat, headache, and chest pain or discomfort. The cough is the hallmark symptom and is frequently the most prominent and long-lasting feature of the illness. It usually begins as a dry, non-productive cough but can evolve over time to produce small amounts of white or clear sputum.

This cough is a direct result of the damage the bacteria inflict on the ciliated cells lining the airways, which impairs the clearance of mucus and debris from the lungs. The cough can be unrelenting, often worsening at night, and can persist for three to six weeks, long after other symptoms have subsided. It is this characteristic, nagging cough that often prompts individuals to seek medical care after initially assuming they had a common cold.

Beyond the cough, other common respiratory and associated symptoms help to form the clinical picture of a Mycoplasma infection. Unlike the high, spiking fevers seen in typical bacterial pneumonia, the fever associated with Mycoplasma is generally low-grade, often hovering around 101°F (38.3°C) or lower. Chills may also be present but are typically less severe than those accompanying influenza or other pneumonias.

Moreover, a sore throat is a common early symptom, often appearing before the cough intensifies. It can range from a mild scratchiness to significant pain upon swallowing. This is due to the initial colonization and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

A persistent, dull headache is frequently reported by individuals with Mycoplasma pneumonia. It is thought to be a result of the body’s systemic inflammatory response to the infection.

Patients may experience chest soreness or discomfort, which is often described as an ache rather than a sharp, stabbing pain. This pain is typically pleuritic (worsened by deep breathing or coughing) and is caused by inflammation of the lung tissue and the surrounding pleura, as well as the physical strain from constant, forceful coughing. Ear pain is another surprisingly common symptom associated with this infection.

Non-respiratory or Systemic Symptoms That Can Occur

The non-respiratory or systemic symptoms that can occur with a Mycoplasma infection include profound fatigue, general malaise, skin rashes, and, in rarer instances, joint pain, anemia, or neurological complications. While M. pneumoniae is primarily a respiratory pathogen, the infection can trigger a body-wide inflammatory response that leads to a wide array of extrapulmonary manifestations.

The most common of these are constitutional symptoms that reflect the body’s effort to fight off the persistent pathogen. Fatigue and malaise are nearly universal. Patients often report feeling completely drained of energy, a deep-seated weariness that is disproportionate to the severity of their respiratory symptoms. This exhaustion can last for weeks, significantly impacting daily functioning even in cases of walking pneumonia.

In a smaller subset of patients, the infection can lead to more specific and sometimes more serious systemic problems. Dermatological manifestations are the most common extrapulmonary complication, occurring in up to 25% of patients. The rashes can vary in appearance, from a simple macular or vesicular rash to more complex conditions like erythema multiforme, which presents as target-like lesions on the skin. In rare cases, a severe, life-threatening form called Stevens-Johnson syndrome can develop, involving blistering of the skin and mucous membranes.

Some individuals may experience joint pain, which can affect single or multiple joints. This is typically an inflammatory arthritis caused by the immune system’s reaction to the infection. The pain is usually transient and resolves as the underlying infection is treated.

Mycoplasma infection can sometimes lead to the production of “cold agglutinins,” which are antibodies that cause red blood cells to clump together at cold temperatures. This can result in a mild form of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced, leading to symptoms like increased fatigue, paleness, and shortness of breath.

Although rare (occurring in about 0.1% of all cases), neurological complications are among the most severe. These can include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Symptoms can range from confusion and disorientation to seizures and paralysis. These conditions are thought to result from either direct invasion of the central nervous system by the bacteria or an autoimmune response triggered by the infection.

Mycoplasma Infection Diagnosis

Diagnosing a Mycoplasma infection presents unique challenges because its symptoms, such as a persistent cough, fever, and fatigue, often mimic those of other common respiratory illnesses. To achieve an official diagnosis, clinicians rely on specialized laboratory tests rather than physical symptoms alone. The most accurate and widely used method today is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.

This molecular test directly detects the bacterium’s genetic material (DNA) from a sample, typically obtained via a throat swab, sputum, or fluid from the respiratory tract. PCR tests are highly sensitive and specific, providing a rapid confirmation of an active infection, often within a few hours. Another common diagnostic tool is serology, which involves a blood test to look for antibodies the body produces in response to the infection.

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies are typically the first to appear after an initial infection, signaling a recent or current illness.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies develop later in the infection and can remain in the blood for years, indicating a past infection and potential immunity. Paired tests, taken weeks apart, showing a significant rise in IgG levels can also confirm a recent infection.

While cell culture is possible to grow Mycoplasma in a lab, this method is rarely used for clinical diagnosis because the bacterium is extremely slow-growing and requires a specialized, complex nutrient medium, making the process impractical and time-consuming.

Can a Mycoplasma Infection Lead to Long-term Complications?

While the majority of Mycoplasma infections, particularly Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced “walking pneumonia,” resolve without lasting effects, a small percentage of cases can lead to significant long-term complications. These complications often arise from an overly aggressive immune response to the infection and can affect systems far beyond the respiratory tract.

In the lungs, a severe case of Mycoplasma pneumonia can sometimes lead to the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions like asthma or, in rare instances, contribute to the development of chronic respiratory issues. The inflammation caused by the bacterium can damage airway linings, potentially leading to persistent wheezing or bronchial hyperreactivity that lingers long after the initial infection has cleared.

The more serious complications are often extrapulmonary, meaning they occur outside of the lungs. The body’s immune reaction can trigger a variety of systemic problems. Some individuals may develop reactive arthritis, an inflammatory condition causing pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, particularly the knees and ankles. This condition is not caused by the bacteria infecting the joint but by the immune system’s widespread inflammatory response.

In very rare and severe cases, the infection can be associated with serious neurological conditions. These may include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain), or Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to weakness and paralysis.

Other rare complications can include skin rashes like erythema multiforme, hemolytic anemia (where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are made), and inflammation of the heart muscle or surrounding sac (myocarditis or pericarditis).

Mycoplasma Infection vs. Typical Bacterial Infection

A Mycoplasma infection is fundamentally different from a typical bacterial infection, such as one caused by Streptococcus, due to its unique cellular structure and behavior within the host. The most critical distinction is that Mycoplasma bacteria completely lack a rigid cell wall. Most bacteria, like Streptococcus pyogenes (the cause of strep throat), are encased in a thick, protective layer made of a substance called peptidoglycan.

This cell wall provides structural integrity and is the primary target for many common antibiotics, including penicillin and its derivatives. Because Mycoplasma has no cell wall, these antibiotics are completely ineffective against it, which is a key consideration for treatment. Instead, antibiotics that target internal cellular processes, such as protein synthesis (e.g., macrolides, tetracyclines), must be used.

Mycoplasma are the smallest known free-living bacteria. Their small size and flexible membrane allow them to live in close association with host cells, often adhering tightly to or even invading them, adopting a quasi-intracellular lifestyle. In contrast, bacteria like Streptococcus are typically extracellular, living and multiplying in the spaces between cells, such as on the mucosal surfaces of the throat.

The lack of a cell wall and its close interaction with host cells contribute to the often slow, insidious onset of Mycoplasma infections, leading to the characteristic walking pneumonia. Typical bacterial infections often produce a more acute and rapid inflammatory response, resulting in more severe, localized symptoms like the intense sore throat of strep.

Mycoplasma’s ability to mimic host cell surfaces and change its own surface proteins allows it to partially evade the immune system, contributing to a persistent, nagging infection rather than a swift, aggressive one.

Can Mycoplasma Infections Be Prevented?

Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent Mycoplasma infections, making prevention entirely reliant on public health measures and good personal hygiene. The primary mode of transmission for respiratory Mycoplasma, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can be inhaled by others nearby or can land on surfaces, where the bacteria can survive for a short period. Consequently, the most effective prevention strategies are those that interrupt this transmission pathway. This is especially important in crowded settings like schools, college dormitories, military barracks, and nursing homes, where outbreaks are more common due to close and prolonged contact among individuals.

Practicing standard infection control measures is the best defense against contracting and spreading Mycoplasma. Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is crucial. If soap and water are not available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is an effective alternative.

Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze helps contain the spread of respiratory droplets. It is important to dispose of used tissues immediately and wash your hands afterward.

If you or someone around you is sick, maintaining physical distance can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. This includes avoiding sharing personal items like cups, utensils, or towels with someone who has a respiratory infection. Staying home when you are ill is also a critical step to prevent spreading the infection to others in your community or workplace.

FAQs

1. Why is it called mycoplasma?

The name mycoplasma comes from words meaning “fungus” and “formed,” because early scientists thought these organisms had fungus-like qualities. Today, mycoplasma is known as a type of bacteria, but it is unusual because it does not have a cell wall.

2. What is special about mycoplasma?

Mycoplasma is special because it lacks a cell wall. This makes it flexible in shape and naturally resistant to antibiotics that work by attacking bacterial cell walls, such as penicillin. Because of this, treatment may require different types of antibiotics.

3. Is mycoplasma infection serious?

Many mycoplasma infections are mild, especially respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. However, some cases can become more serious, especially in young children, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems. Complications may include pneumonia, worsening asthma, or infections outside the lungs.

4. Can I kiss with mycoplasma?

If you have a respiratory mycoplasma infection, it is better to avoid kissing until symptoms improve because the bacteria can spread through respiratory droplets. If mycoplasma affects the genital tract, intimate contact should be avoided until testing and treatment are completed.

5. Is Mycoplasma an STD?

Some types of mycoplasma can be sexually transmitted, especially Mycoplasma genitalium. It may cause urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or reproductive health complications. However, not all mycoplasma infections are STDs. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, for example, mainly spreads through coughing and close respiratory contact.

6. What are two diseases caused by Mycoplasma?

Two diseases linked to Mycoplasma include walking pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and urethritis, which may be caused by Mycoplasma genitalium. Different species can affect different parts of the body.

7. How long can Mycoplasma survive?

Mycoplasma does not survive well for long periods outside the body compared with many other germs. Its survival depends on the species, surface, moisture, and temperature. In most everyday situations, spread happens mainly through close contact rather than long-term survival on objects.

8. How many days is Mycoplasma contagious?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be contagious while symptoms are present and may spread for several weeks, especially through coughing and close contact. For sexually transmitted mycoplasma infections, a person may remain contagious until properly treated and cleared by a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Mycoplasma is a small but distinctive type of bacteria that can cause infections in the lungs, throat, urinary tract, or genital tract. Its lack of a cell wall makes it different from many other bacteria and affects which antibiotics may work against it.

For some people, mycoplasma causes mild illness that improves with time and proper care. For others, it can lead to lingering cough, pneumonia, pelvic symptoms, urinary discomfort, or complications that need medical attention. Because symptoms may overlap with other infections, testing can be important when the cause is unclear.

Understanding how mycoplasma spreads, when it may be contagious, and why treatment choices matter can help people protect themselves and others. If symptoms persist, worsen, or involve breathing problems, chest pain, pelvic pain, or unusual discharge, medical evaluation is the safest next step.

References

• Cleveland Clinic – Mycoplasma
• CDC – About Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection
• Hunter Medical Research Institute – Everything you need to know about mycoplasma
• Government of Singapore – Mycoplasma genitalium
• WiCell – Mycoplasma
• CDC – About Mycoplasma genitalium
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory – Understanding Mycoplasma in veterinary medicine: Why it matters for animal health and diagnostics
• Mycoplasma: What Is It?
• NSW Health – Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection