MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIAS Meaning and
Definition
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Mycoplasma pneumonia, also known as primary atypical pneumonia or walking pneumonia, is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Being part of the smallest free-living microorganisms, mycoplasmas are unique due to their lack of a cell wall. Due to this absence, mycoplasmas are capable of adopting pleomorphic shapes and sizes ranging from 0.15 to 0.3 micrometers, making them enveloped by a trilaminar lipid bilayer.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is commonly transmitted through respiratory droplets, mainly in crowded or close-contact settings such as schools, dormitories, and military barracks. The infection primarily affects the lower respiratory tract, causing inflammation and swelling in the lung tissue. Symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia can vary but often include mild cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue, headache, and occasionally skin rashes.
Diagnosis of mycoplasma pneumonia relies on a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory testing. Chest x-rays may reveal patchy infiltrates or consolidation in the lungs. Serological tests, such as the cold agglutinin test or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can help confirm the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies or detect the bacterial DNA in respiratory samples.
Treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia typically involves the use of antibiotics, such as macrolides (e.g., erythromycin, azithromycin) or tetracycline derivatives (e.g., doxycycline), for approximately 7 to 14 days. In severe cases or complications, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be required. Prevention measures include practicing good respiratory hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and maintaining general
Common Misspellings for MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIAS
- nycoplasma pneumonias
- kycoplasma pneumonias
- jycoplasma pneumonias
- mtcoplasma pneumonias
- mgcoplasma pneumonias
- mhcoplasma pneumonias
- mucoplasma pneumonias
- m7coplasma pneumonias
- m6coplasma pneumonias
- myxoplasma pneumonias
- myvoplasma pneumonias
- myfoplasma pneumonias
- mydoplasma pneumonias
- myciplasma pneumonias
- myckplasma pneumonias
- myclplasma pneumonias
- mycpplasma pneumonias
- myc0plasma pneumonias
- myc9plasma pneumonias
- mycoolasma pneumonias
Etymology of MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIAS
The word "Mycoplasma pneumonia" has its etymology rooted in the name of the bacterial genus "Mycoplasma" and the medical term "pneumonia".
1. Mycoplasma: The term "Mycoplasma" comes from the Greek words "myco" meaning "fungus" and "plasma" meaning "form" or "shape". It was coined by Edward A. L. Bayly in 1939 to describe a group of bacteria that lack a cell wall, making them distinct from most other bacteria. Mycoplasmas are the smallest and simplest free-living organisms known to science, and they can cause various infections and diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
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