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Background
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Mycoplasma pneumoniae is among the smallest of free-living organisms. In humans, it is usually found in the throat and lungs and is susceptible to antimicrobial agents that inhibit protein synthesis. The spread of Mycoplasma infections depends on close and prolonged contact between people, as it is transmitted by means of droplet nuclei from the respiratory tract. Mycoplasma infection may be asymptomatic or may produce upper respiratory tract disease or atypical pneumonia. The pneumonia is difficult to differentiate from viral diseases by clinical means alone. Laboratory tests such as isolation, Complement Fixation serology, and ELISA serology are helpful as an aid in the diagnosis.
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